Khabib Nurmagomedov shared a photo with UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell on Instagram over the weekend, captioning the image "Accidentally meeting."
The retired lightweight champion, who stepped away from competition in 2020 following his win over Justin Gaethje, gave no indication the sit-down was tied to a potential return. As recently as July, Nurmagomedov told reporters he had no plans to fight again, per Sherdog.
The timing coincides with uncertainty around Khabib's cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, who recently completed his contractual obligations with the Professional Fighters League. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the promotion will open talks with Usman once he becomes a free agent, though no formal connection has been drawn between that situation and Khabib's meeting with Campbell.
Khabib was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame after retiring undefeated at 29-0. He has coached family members and teammates at American Kickboxing Academy since leaving the sport, including cousin Usman, who held the Bellator lightweight title before the PFL merger absorbed that roster.
No follow-up announcement has been made regarding the Campbell meeting or Usman's next move.
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