UFC announces Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje for Oct. 24
The fight MMA fans have been waiting all year for is on. Khabib Nurmagomedov will make his return to the octagon later this year.
UFC President Dana White confirmed on CNN that the lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will defend his title against interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje on Oct 24.
“It’s going to happen, tell you right here right now. That fight is going to happen,” White said.
“Khabib vs. Gaethje, October 24.”
Nurmagomedov was originally scheduled to fight Tony Ferguson in April, but due to unforeseen circumstances that led to a global pandemic, the fight was called off.
Justin Gaethje stepped in to fight Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight title. Justin stopped Tony in the fifth round via TKO setting himself up for a title shot against Khabib.
News of the death of Khabib’s father Adbulmanap, who passed away due to COVID-19 implications, came out earlier this month delaying the fight.
UFC President Dana White wanted to give the lightweight champ as much time as he needed to mourn before he made his return.
“It’s been very rough on him,” White explained, “His father was a hero to him, he loved his father, they had a very close relationship and it was very hard on him.”
As of now, a location has not been disclosed but the lightweight unification bout will be one of the biggest fights of the year.