Dana White believes Khabib Nurmagomedov could unretire, return to UFC

Multiple mixed martial arts insiders and journalists are convinced that former unbeaten UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0-0), who retired with a walk-off win over Justin Gaethje in the main event of last Saturday's UFC 254 show, is serious about leaving the octagon for good. 

UFC boss Dana White feels differently. 

As TMZ Sports noted, White spoke with Zach Gelb of CBS Sports and explained why he believes Nurmagomedov will return to the UFC for at least one more fight. 

"Khabib and I have been talking," White explained. "He was completely emotional [at UFC 254] when he got through that fight. I have a feeling that he might go for 30-0."

Nurmagomedov lost his father, who was his mentor and trainer, in July and promised his mother that his fight versus Gaethje would be his last regardless of the result. Prior to the pay-per-view, however, Nurmagomedov and UFC legend Georges St-Pierre (26-2-0) publicly spoke about potentially meeting for what would be a retirement match for both. 

"His dad wanted him to get to 30-0, and I think he wants to honor his dad's wish," White added. 

Earlier this week, former two-division champion Daniel Cormier, who has trained with Nurmagomedov, told ESPN's Ariel Helwani he believes the man seen by many as the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in UFC history is finished competing at this level. 

"This is real," Cormier said. "Khabib doesn't lie. Khabib doesn't play 'I'm retiring and I'm coming back.'"