Khabib Nurmagomedov Confirms He Rejected Lucrative Offer To Fight Georges St-Pierre

Mandatory Credit: Josh Hedges - Zuffa LLC & Jeff Bottari - Zuffa LLC

Former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov has confirmed that he recently rejected a lucrative bout agreement to snap his official retirement from professional mixed martial arts, in a long-awaited 'superfight' against former welterweight and middleweight titleholder, Georges St-Pierre. 

Khabib, who officially vacated his lightweight championship back in March of this year, had noted his intentions to retire from mixed martial arts back in October of last year on 'Fight Island' following a successful title unification win against Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 254. 

Transparently, UFC president, Dana White has attempted on numerous occasions to entice Khabib to make a retirement u-turn -- ultimately to no avail, with Khabib cementing his decision to walk away from the sport, when he officially vacated the championship in March -- which is now currently held by Brazilian submission ace, Charles Oliveira. 

Recently, Khabib had claimed that the UFC and even White himself was still campaigning to entice him to make a comeback to the Octagon for one final fight.

"You know a few days ago -- I don't know whether I can go on record, (Ali) Abdelaziz called me a few weeks ago," Khabib said. "He asked me, 'Do you know what Dana White asked me?' and told me (Dana asked), 'Why does Khabib (Nurmagomedov) never ask me how much money I can offer for his return?' I asked Abdelaziz, 'This is the question for me through you or what?' And he told me, 'Nah, Dana just asked,'"

Speaking with MMA Junkie -- Khabib explained how his manager, Dominance MMA leader, Ali Abdelaziz had reached out to him, confirmed that the promotion had placed a lucrative contract on the table for a potential bout with the above-mentioned, St-Pierre.

"He (Ali Abdelaziz) sent me a message and said, 'Hey, Georges St-Pierre wants to fight with you," Khabib said. "I said, 'What can I do?' I don't know. I'm finished you know? I think Georges is finished, too, you know. Let this guy be a legend. He's 40 years old and I don't understand why he has to fight. I think he has money, too. I'm finished. I'm really finished."

The Dagestan native explained how whilst he's still only 32 years of age, questions regarding his future, as well as a potential comeback, will continue well into his late 30s.

"I'm only 32 years old," Khabib continued. "People are going to talk about this (potential comeback) maybe the next seven (or) eight years. Because for MMA, a lot of guys on the top are 37, 38, (or) 39 (years old). They're still on the top. People are going to talk about this until that day comes I think."

Recently, former champion, St-Pierre also confirmed that things never really came to fruition in regards to a potential matchup against Khabib -- and has admitted that it's rather higher unlikely they will ever compete opposite each other. 

"I believe if you make that fight (with Khabib Nurmagomedov) 10 times, it could be 10 different outcomes -- but we're never going to see it, unfortunately," St-Pierre explained. "Timing was an issue with the UFC. It's unfortunate, but it could be seen as a positive that both of us finished our careers with a great legacy, and nothing has been tainted -- so it's good."