Daniel Cormier reckons that Khabib Nurmagomedov could be talked out of retirement if his greatest rival - Conor McGregor - is presented on a plate for him.
The Eagle walked away from the sport after a comprehensive mauling of Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 last month, meaning he retires with a perfect 29-0 record.
With the rumour mill speculating that the Russian could be tempted back to the Octagon, UFC legend Daniel Cormier has offered up a scenario that could be too good for the Eagle to turn down.
With his greatest foe McGregor set for a return to the sport later this year or in early 2021, the Notorious one could pick up the pieces left behind by Khabib and claim the interim belt.
If the Dubliner was to do so, it could give the UFC a chance to align the two rivals for a decisive rematch.
Speaking to ESPN's Ariel Helwani, Cormier said: "Could you imagine if McGregor gets a hold of the Interim Championship (now UFC can) go to Khabib and go, 'Hey, October, Abu Dhabi, you (and) McGregor again, boat loads of money'".
In a recent Q&A with fans, while McGregor took time to praise his bitter rival, he could not resist claiming he would win a rematch.
Asked for his honest opinion of Nurmagomedov, McGregor said: "A phenomenal grappler fighter. The current best in the sport with it. I've the answer however and they know it."
Nurmagomedov hung up his gloves following his second-round win over Gaethje in Abu Dhabi as he extended his record to 29-0.
He had been expected to continue fighting in search of his 30th professional win but revealed he had promised his mum he would retire.
She had asked him not to compete without his father who passed away earlier this year after contracting Covid-19 and her on agreed on the proviso he first took on Gaethje.
Having choked out the interim 155lb champion, an emotional Nurmagomedov confirmed his decision.
But UFC president Dana White now expects his champion to return - and will not make the belt vacant for McGregor's rematch with Dustin Poirier in January.
"He was super emotional after that fight and you know he got the measles the mumps, whatever he got," White told ESPN.
"Then he broke his toe leading into that fight, took the fight, and with the passing of his father I just think he was super emotional and was just in the moment that night.
"I am not saying that he is going to 100 pet cent come out for 30-0, but I get the feeling that he will."
