“Coming back to tap McGregor” – Khabib Nurmagomedov’s announcement leaves fans in a frenzy
Khabib posted a picture of working out on Instagram stating he needs to be ready in July. Fans are overjoyed and have started to speculate.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is training for something in July (Image Courtesy - MMA Mania)
Retired UFC Superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov is among the most dominant fighters ever to step foot inside the Octagon. The Dagestani fighter recorded an undefeated MMA career that saw him be among all-time greats in MMA. However, Khabib has posted about training something in July that is not related to MMA.
The surprise announcement from Khabib caught everyone by surprise. If he is not training for MMA, then what is he training for? Khabib has not fought since his second-round submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. He retired from the MMA altogether after the victory, holding an undefeated 29-0 record.
Following the fight with Michael Johnson at UFC 205, Khabib called out Conor McGregor for a future fight. It took him another year and a half to compete, win the Lightweight Championship in 2018, and challenge McGregor in October 2018. He comfortably defended the title against McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje to match the records of Benson Henderson and B. J. Penn and establish his reign as the most dominant Lightweight in UFC history.
(Not mma) pic.twitter.com/uGSmccIR5K
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) April 6, 2023
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired in 2020 after his mother wanted him to retire shortly after his father’s death. Since then, he has coached fellow Dagestani fighters, following in his father’s footsteps as an instrumental figure in bringing Dagestanis to the forefront of MMA. However, his desire to spend more time with his family led him to leave coaching. Currently, he has yet to return to coaching; however, when the time is right, fight fans can see him return to coaching Dagestanis to become the top fighters in the world.
Related: “Hey don’t be sad brother,” Khabib Nurmagomedov sarcastically trolls fan for betting against him
Fans happily speculate the nature of Khabib training for a July return

Khabib has not fought since his retirement in 2020 after defeating Justin Gaethje by submission. Khabib posted on his Instagram about training for something for a July return, leading fans to speculate on the nature of Khabib’s training. Khabib’s mother made him retire back in 2020 after the death of his father; however, fans are speculating over why Khabib is training for a July return. Check out some of the fan reactions:
He’s coming back to tap McGregor and then retiring again.
— Blvd_3k (@heartless3kk) April 6, 2023
Khabib competing in power slap league confirmed
— Matthew Bristow (@MBristow17) April 6, 2023
Probably a charity soccer match
— Lester Enriquez (@LesterEnriquez_) April 6, 2023
Thank God he's atleast cutting some weight cuz he was seriously looking like some random dat guy
— Aarfa ? (@httpaarfa) April 6, 2023
Man train for street fight
— Bantamweight eagle (@BWkhabib) April 6, 2023
Football
— Saltrockr.SOL (@_saltrockr) April 6, 2023
Gettin ready for that beach time
— Danny (@RarePairOfKicks) April 6, 2023
They signed him up in a match against hulk hogan
— Josh (@Crippler420) April 6, 2023
Imagine if DC convinced him to wrestle?
— Brody Hardcastle (@Lieutenantdans1) April 6, 2023
Celebrity football match? Iron man?
— Church of Goff Minister of Vibes ?☠️ (@ethan_d_603) April 6, 2023
Khabib has reiterated his desire not to return to active competition as an MMA fighter. He considers Islam Makhachev as his heir to the Lightweight throne, however; it is not yet known about the nature in which Khabib has resumed training. Only time will tell why Khabib is training for an event in July.
In Case You Missed It!
- “Bet on the right person” – Alex Pereira taunts rapper Drake to bet on him ahead of Israel Adesanya rematch
- WATCH: Shavkat Rakhmonov kills a wolf in the snow to send a scary message to Khamzat Chimaev