KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV could return to the UFC in a spectacular way after he left his gloves in October.
Islam Makhachev, a lightweight star, teased his return to the sport. But this time, he was in the welterweight category.
Khabib is expected to make a spectacular return to the UFC
Khabib's fight against Justin Gaethje, his last fight, was a lightweight bout. He also appeared in 11 of his 12 UFC appearances.
The 33-year old has been predicted to return at 170lbs more weight.
SunSport has examined five possible bouts for the former lightweight champion.
Kamaru Usman
Khabib, nicknamed "The Nigerian Nightmare", is the welterweight champion. He would be a formidable opponent if Khabib were to move up from lightweight to middleweight.
This would make Khabib's rematch with the king of title fights.
In the UFC's rankings, Usman is also No1 pound for pound fighter.
Khamzat Chimaev
Although Chimaev, 27, is only eleventh in the welterweight rankings. However, he is highly rated by the UFC.
He has won three of the four fights he's fought in the promotion. Three of those were within the first round.
Khabib is also from the Caucaus region in Russia, so Chimaev is also Russian.
Conor McGregor
The two have a history together. Khabib beat 'The Notorious via submission in a highly anticipated clash back in 2018.
McGregor was only at lightweight. However, McGregor's muscle gains have sparked rumors that his next fight could be in a higher division.
There could be more to the story between them, with a rematch at Welterweight possible.
Georges St. Pierre
After retiring, Khabib was linked to a fight against UFC legend St.Pierre.
According to reports, Khabib had been in discussions with the 40-year old over a blockbuster showdown.
St-Pierre has been trying to fight the undefeated Russian for over three years.
However, his interest in the bout has declined in recent months.
Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington
They will be battling it out at UFC 272 Las Vegas.
This mouthwatering bout takes place at welterweight. The winner could be in a clash with Khabib.
Covington is the current No1 contender to Usman's title. A meeting between Khabib or Covington could decide who gets a chance at the belt.
