ISLAM MAKHACHEV has tipped Khabib Nurmagomedov, his mentor, to make a sensational UFC return... but up in weight.
Khabib gave up his UFC gloves after beating Justin Gaethje in October. This was three months after his father Abdulmanap's death.
Khabib Nurmagomedov was backed to make a UFC Return
Nurmagomedov's father was an important figure in his life and a coach.
Khabib made a promise to his mother that he would not fight again without Abdulmanap by his side.
In a shocking twist, Makhachev also warned Kamaru Usman, UFC Welterweight Champion, that unbeaten Russia would return - in his own division.
He stated, "Maybe [if]] you are in the same weight range, you should care about it."
"Maybe he's coming back, brother, but he's probably not gonna reach 155. He'll be 170, that's for sure.
Khabib, 33 years old, was offered a fight against Georges St-Pierre (40), in a comeback bout after he retired.
Nurmagomedov rejected the offer, and even turned down a $100 million to fight Floyd Mayweather (45), in the Middle East.
Since then, he has moved into coaching, cornering Makhachev (30), and backing the lightweight to inherit his crown.
Khabib stated: "Dana says they gonna make a very big show Abu Dhabi at the end of this year.
"And I believe there is this spot where Islam will compete and fight to win the title."
