UFC – Khabib Nurmagomedov’s crazy request to Dana White: “In your opinion, what…

By Guillaume K. | Sports journalist

Khabib Nurmagomedov was supposed to take a step back from the world of MMA, but he is struggling to say goodbye to the sport that made him rich and famous. Moreover, he seems to retain an important place in the UFC, the proof with this big ask Dana White.

Khabib Nurmagomedov may have distanced himself, but he cannot completely detach himself from the UFC and the world of MMA. He is an absolute legend of discipline and organization, so for big events, he does not hesitate to come out of the woodwork to help his people. This was the case at UFC 302, as he was in Islam Makhachev's corner for his fight against Dustin Poirier.

And clearly, its role is not limited to the training of a privileged few and the status of ambassador in the world. Sometimes he also tries to get involved in creating entertaining maps. In an excellent documentary behind the scenes of the UFC, for example, we see the former lightweight champion proposing a fantastic fight to the leaders. We can clearly feel the soul of the promoter:

Khabib's crazy plan for Kamaru Usman

You know what makes someone a top fighter? It's when you're 36 or 37 years old, when you've had a streak of 15 consecutive victories, when you've defended a title several times, when you're already considered among the greatest in history, and when you give a chance for young people who are coming up. For me this is what makes a great athlete.

Imagine if Kamaru Usman really fights against Shavkat Rakhmonov, and what's more, he beats him… He will once again become a contender for the belt! He wants to fight Stephen Thompson, but there's also this thing with Shavkat. Dana, which duel do you think will push him to give 200% during training camp?

Obviously well received in Dana White's office, Khabib Nurmagomedov tried to convince him to organize a fight between the aging Kamaru Usman and the rising nugget Shavkat Rakhmonov. Concern, the manager of the Nigerian Nightmare was in the room, and he explained why he was not keen on the idea. Internet users are on his side:

thats literally the definition of good manager,
easiest fight for the most money.
Thats whats best for the fighter, maybe not us.

— Scarhead (@scarhead786) June 8, 2024

That's the definition of a good manager, he looks for the most money for the easiest fight. It's best for the fighter, not the fans.

If Dana White is looking for a new promoter, Khabib Nurmagomedov could do the job. He does indeed have good ideas, even if they are difficult to implement. Not sure Kamaru Usman appreciates the offer.