![014_Khabib_Nurmagomedov.0.0.jpg](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kuM8E3KSWRg--XD0Lr1XnNNVDMs=/0x0:1920x1280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68597132/014_Khabib_Nurmagomedov.0.0.jpg)
Speaking on The Schmozone podcast this week, Mendez agreed with Nurmagomedov’s sentiment and said that if Khabib really is done, the UFC is at least moving in the right direction by having Poirier in line for the belt.
“Let’s face it, if in fact he’s not coming back, and we know that for a fact - and I don’t know that - but if in fact he’s not, then the rightful person that should be fighting for the title is Dustin against anybody,” Mendez said. “So to me, they got one of the right persons in there. Conor would be the second right one, or it could be Justin Gaethje or it could be Michael Chandler. It doesn’t matter. Or (Charles) Oliveira. What matters is that Dustin is in the title hunt because he’s the one that, in my opinion, is most deserving of a title shot.”
Khabib and his team have had a great deal of respect for Poirier, even leading up to their fight at UFC 242, and Khabib often said that if he were to defend his title after the Gaethje bout, it would only be against someone who had beaten Poirier. Now, Poirier is lined up for a fight that many have speculated will be for the vacant title but thus far, the UFC has rejected that notion, insisting that no belt will be on the line. That could be as part of an effort to incentivize Khabib back for one more title defense, but according to Mendez, if that’s the goal, the UFC is wasting its time, because he’s only returning for the superfight that got away, and even that can only happen if Khabib’s mother gives the go-ahead.
“I don’t know, because we never talked about it, but I can only tell you this. His father, his vision was for Khabib to fight GSP and retire at 30-0. So if Dana anything to do with anything, it isn’t a boatload of money because I don’t believe that’s gonna be the case. It would be something to the effect of something that very much interests him. So maybe a GSP fight. I don’t know, I’m guessing.
“But in order for that to happen, he’d have to go to the No. 1 person that he promised he would retire (to), and that would be his mother, not me. I’m on board for whatever he wants to do. So he’d have to clear it with his mother if he wants to do anything.”
Which, inevitably brings us back to the question of whether or not Nurmagomedov is actually retired. Since announcing his exit from the sport after UFC 254, Khabib hasn’t wavered in his decision, but UFC President Dana White has been equally as adamant that he can bring the lightweight GOAT back for one more fight. And perhaps he can, but Mendez isn’t sold, mostly for the simple reason that it would be out of character for Khabib.
“I can only go by what’s in the media and what he’s been saying,” Mendez said. “When have we known him to not do what he’s said? I don’t know, I can’t recall a time he’s said something and didn’t mean it.”
Poirier and McGregor are set to rematch at UFC 257 on Jan. 23 on Fight Island and Nurmagomedov is expected to be in attendance.
[h=1]TOP STORIES[/h]FOTY. Deiveson Figueiredo takes home 2020 Fighter of the Year honors.
Out. Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Fight Island 8 main event with Leon Edwards.
Ready. Kevin Holland, welterweight contenders line up to challenge Leon Edwards.
Coach. John Kavanagh: Dustin Poirier fighting a ‘tough, uphill battle’ in rematch with Conor McGregor.
[h=1]VIDEO STEW[/h]Best of Between the Links, 2020.
Top-Five KOs of 2020.
UFC fighters with the most wins in 2020.
The UFC PI.
Wonderboy gives an injury update.
Cowboy discussing a COVID scare at BMF Ranch.
[h=1]SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE[/h]Leon.
Rest up Khamzat, i'm sure ill see you soon. But I want to fight January 20th on the island @danawhite @seanshelby @ufc lets make it happen
— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) December 29, 2020
— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) December 29, 2020
Where that bitch Jorge at?
— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) December 29, 2020
Apparently this is where he is.— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) December 29, 2020
Shredding #supernecessary https://t.co/k3WuKPMuLC
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) December 30, 2020
Offer.— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) December 30, 2020
I’m ready to get that rematch with @Leon_edwardsmma I know MMA fans would love to watch it! Let’s go @ufc @seanshelby @AliAbdelaziz00 https://t.co/UbwobCxMeH
— Vicente Luque (@VicenteLuqueMMA) December 29, 2020
Should be good.— Vicente Luque (@VicenteLuqueMMA) December 29, 2020
Official ! Big mouth is sleepy he needs a nap! Main event March 20 on ESPN pic.twitter.com/t0FdI0rh45
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) December 29, 2020
Or maybe not.— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) December 29, 2020
Brett- let’s not get ahead of ourselves. @Leon_edwardsmma needs an opponent..... Big Mouth is Calling. ?? https://t.co/hbsZrwuzby
— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) December 29, 2020
Danis.— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) December 29, 2020
Khamzat says let me fight multiple guys in one night or let me fight every weekend but then pulls out of a fight with a jammed finger
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) December 29, 2020
Hmm.— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) December 29, 2020
News.
Big News Soon 2021 New Year New Goals. @BellatorMMA pic.twitter.com/FZoFoTQ3vA
— @CrisCyborg #Bellator249 fight in bio (@criscyborg) December 29, 2020
— @CrisCyborg #Bellator249 fight in bio (@criscyborg) December 29, 2020
New year, new team, announcement tomorrow. #zeroregrets pic.twitter.com/gwHYOQoh7F
— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) December 29, 2020
Visualization.— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) December 29, 2020
My next KO will be a crazy spinning strike I been dreaming about it
— Valerie Loureda (@valerielouredaa) December 30, 2020
— Valerie Loureda (@valerielouredaa) December 30, 2020
[h=1]FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS[/h]Mason Jones (10-0) vs. Mike Davis (8-2); UFC Fight Island 8, Jan. 20.
Dalcha Lungiambula (10-2) vs. Isi Fitikefu (6-0); UFC Fight Island 8, Jan. 20.
Alex Caceres (17-12) vs. Kevin Croom (21-12); UFC Fight Night, Feb. 27.
Derek Brunson (21-7) vs. Kevin Holland (21-5); UFC Fight Night, Mar. 20.
[h=1]FINAL THOUGHTS[/h]Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.
[h=1]EXIT POLL[/h]
If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let him know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram and like us on Facebook.
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