UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov was recently pictured with Hunter Campbell in Dubai following significant discussions earlier this week.
The former lightweight champion is a regular presence in the corner of Islam Makhachev, whose next career move remains uncertain. Nurmagomedov, accompanied by prominent manager Rizvan Magomedov, met with Campbell, the UFC`s Chief Business Officer and effectively Dana White`s second-in-command, for these talks.
It is understood that Makhachev is awaiting the outcome of the UFC 315 main event before finalizing his plans. The current lightweight champion may move up to welterweight if his friend and teammate Belal Muhammad loses his title, but is likely to stay at 155 lbs and potentially face Ilia Topuria if Muhammad retains his belt.
Details of Khabib Nurmagomedov`s Meeting with Hunter Campbell in Dubai
Khabib Nurmagomedov shared a photo on Instagram yesterday showing himself at the meeting with several key figures. His teammate, Zubaira Tukhugov, was also present alongside Hunter Campbell and Rizvan Magomedov.
Rizvan Magomedov is a powerful figure in mixed martial arts management, working closely with Ali Abdelaziz at Dominance Management. His roster includes light-heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev and Khabib`s undefeated cousin, PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
Their meeting involved Campbell, who is widely regarded as being as crucial to the current UFC structure as Dana White himself. As Chief Business Officer, major deals seldom proceed without his involvement.
The exact subject of the discussions was not disclosed, but Campbell frequently travels internationally for important meetings concerning the organization`s top athletes.
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Example: A photo of the meeting, or a statement.
Islam Makhachev`s Potential Welterweight Move and Second Title Bid
While a fight between Makhachev and Ilia Topuria is a highly anticipated potential matchup, there is little doubt that the Russian fighter would prefer to compete at a higher weight class. He has already broken the long-standing record for lightweight title defenses and believes that the former featherweight champion, Topuria, should secure a win at lightweight first.
Furthermore, Makhachev is known to face challenges in making the 155 lb limit and would likely benefit from better hydration and strength at 170 lbs. Moving up would also offer him the chance to achieve something his mentor Nurmagomedov did not: win a championship in a second division.
Makhachev captured the lightweight title from Charles Oliveira in October 2022. He has since defended the belt against then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Dustin Poirier, and most recently Renato Moicano, setting a new record for lightweight defenses that dates back to the era when BJ Penn held the title.
Rupert Hartwell