On Thursday night, Dana White posted a picture with Khabib Nurmagomedov which indicated that the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion would remain at 29-0 and retired.
Acknowledging Khabib's retirement, Dana White tells @bokamotoESPN that Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler will fight for the vacant lightweight championship at UFC 262 on May 15 🏆 pic.twitter.com/tHCZz2TQqj
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 19, 2021
White pursued the dream of having a rematch between Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor but when he defeated Justin Gaethje last fall and proclaimed that it was the end of his time in pro MMA, the unbeaten champ retired.
At the same time, the UFC announced that Charles Oliviera would face Michael Chandler for the vacant UFC Lightweight title on May 15th. Notably, this leaves out Dustin Poirier who beat Conor McGregor this past January.
Payout Perspective:
One might suspect that Poirier is looking for a third fight with McGregor which likely would make more money that a shot at the belt against either Oliviera or Chandler. He probably foresees defeating McGregor this July and then facing the winner of Oliviera/Chandler in December. Of course, if McGregor were to win, you can see him getting back in on the title picture. All of this is happening as Nurmagomedov, probably the greatest MMA lightweight in the sport retires. Its likely that he’ll still be around MMA as he has purchased a promotion and corners fighters so the temptation of returning will always be there. It’s combat sports after all.
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