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Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov hug during training at AKA. Photo: Instagram/Khabib Nurmagomedov

UFC: Daniel Cormier would ‘love’ Khabib comeback but says ‘I just care about him as a person’

  • UFC lightweight champ set to meet Dana White for talks next month over possible retirement U-turn
  • ‘I just take my buddy at his word … I don’t really care if he’s fighting or not fighting,’ says Cormier

There is plenty of talk that Khabib Nurmagomedov could produce a stunning U-turn on his retirement and agree to fight in the UFC again, as the lightweight champ gets set for crunch talks with Dana White next month.

Daniel Cormier is just happy to support his friend and American Kickboxing Academy teammate in whatever decision he makes.

Nurmagomedov (29-0) shocked the world of MMA when he announced in the Octagon he was hanging up his gloves after his masterful second-round submission win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on Fight Island.

The 31-year-old Dagestan-born Russian revealed he had made a promise to his mother it would be his last fight, following the death in July of his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, 57, because of complications from contracting Covid-19.

“It makes it very difficult when I have to answer these questions because you know why the UFC wants him back – you should, everybody wants him back,” Cormier told SCMP MMA.

“But the reality is I just take my buddy at his word. If he says he’s not fighting, then he’s not fighting. If he says he’s coming back, then he’s coming back.”

UFC: Cormier thinks Jones deserves heavyweight title shot

Nurmagomedov has appeared to remain steadfast on his decision during recent interviews. But “The Eagle” is yet to vacate the lightweight belt and still sits atop the UFC pound-for-pound rankings.

“I just care about Khabib the person,” Cormier added. “I don’t really care if he’s fighting or not fighting, you know. Of course I would love for him to fight, it’s always fun to watch him prepare and compete.

“It would be great for the UFC if he did compete again, but if he doesn’t, I still love the guy as much as I do when he’s an active competitor.”

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