White Rules Out Khabib Return

Dana White has shut down renewed speculation over a Khabib Nurmagomedov comeback, dismissing the idea at the UFC 330 post-fight press conference.

The rumours resurfaced after Nurmagomedov was spotted wearing UFC gloves backstage, having cornered Islam Makhachev for his welterweight title defence against Ian Machado Garry.

"I don't think that's ever going to happen. When he was trying to retire, I was all over that f*cking guy. I don't think you'll get him back now — plus he's got to weigh like 225 pounds or something,” White

Nurmagomedov, standing nearby, corrected him immediately: "I'm 205, Dana."

The undefeated 37-year-old retired with a 29-0 record after submitting Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in 2020 and has repeatedly ruled out a return since. He remains active as a coach, with Makhachev's record-breaking 17-fight win streak the clearest evidence of his influence.