Khabib vs. St-Pierre: The $5 Million Dream Match We Almost Saw!

The Unexpected Retirement of “The Eagle”

Khabib Nurmagomedov, famed for his unparalleled 29-0 record, surprised the MMA community by announcing his retirement post his victory against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. Many fans and analysts had anticipated his pursuit for the 30-0 career mark, making this announcement unexpected. The passing of his father, Abdulmanap, in July 2020 deeply affected him, leading him to respect his mother’s wish for him to step away from the sport. Despite his retreat from the cage, Nurmagomedov remains influential in the MMA circuit, participating as a promoter and coach, but there’s no sign of a fighting return.

Georges St-Pierre’s Comeback and the $5 Million Grappling Match Tease

The MMA world lit up with the news of Georges St-Pierre’s impending return for a UFC Fight Pass Invitational grappling match slated for December 2023. Rumors flew about possible opponents, and naturally, Nurmagomedov’s name surfaced. Craig Jones, a previous participant in the Fight Pass Invitational, revealed that Nurmagomedov might have been considering a return, albeit for a steep $5 million price tag. While many are speculating about this potential high-profile match, nothing has been officially declared.

Reflecting on St-Pierre’s Legacy and His Last Octagon Appearance

Georges St-Pierre’s legacy in the UFC is unmatched, and his last appearance at UFC 217 only solidified his standing. There, he defeated Michael Bisping with a third-round rear-naked choke, acquiring the Middleweight champion title. As the MMA community awaits more details about his comeback, fans can’t help but wonder about the dream match that might have been — Nurmagomedov vs. St-Pierre.