UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will make his return to the octagon on Oct. 24th, UFC president Dana White has announced.
White confirmed to CNN that Nurmagomedov, the Russian lightweight champion, will return to action against interim champ Justin Gaethje as he bids to continue his undefeated career following a tragic time in his personal life.
Nurmagomedov’s father and coach, Abdulmanap, died from issues related to COVID-19 earlier this month.
But White told CNN that Nurmagomedov will be ready to return in October.
“It’s been very rough on him,” White said. “His father was a hero to him. He loved his father. They had a very, very close relationship, and it was very hard on him.”
White previously has hinted at Nurmagomedov vs. Gaethje would take place on “Fight Island.”
