It’s official, this October, Khabib returns to the Octagon to take on interim lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje, in a bid to reclaim his belt and champion status.
Announcing the fight earlier this month Dana White made the official announcement in an interview with CNN.
“It’s gonna happen, I’ll tell you right here, right now,” the UFC president said. “That fight’s gonna happen. Khabib vs Gaethje, October 24.”
Khabib was originally scheduled to fight Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, however due to travel restrictions imposed by coronavirus, he was required to withdraw from the fight. In lieu of this, Justin Gaethje responded to the call to take on Ferguson for an interim lightweight belt, taking a strong victory by TKO in the fifth round.
Gaethje is a Division 1, all American wrestler boasting an impressive resume. A two time state wrestling champ, Gaethje carries power in his punch, a brilliant striker, he is known for his finishing ability inside the Octagon, finishing each of his opponents to date.
Khabib is an undeniable champion, currently undefeated with 28 wins, he holds the longest active undefeated streak in the UFC. Capturing the lightweight title with a unanimous decision win over Al Ianuinta at UFC 223, since then, he’s gone on to successfully defend his belt with submission wins over Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier.
Khabib’s future seems uncertain, following the death of his father Abdulmanap, who passed away due to Covid-19 complications earlier this month. Dana White, wanted to give the lightweight champ as much time as he needed to get over a tragic time in his life.
“It’s been very rough on him,” White explained “His father was a hero to him, he loved his father, they had a very close relationship and it was very hard on him.”
But alas, the fight is going ahead, with Khabib posting on socials showing he’s prepped and ready to go come October.
MAIN CARD
Lightweight Title Bout
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje
UNDER CARD
TBC