Khabib Returns, Corners Umar In Abu Dhabi

07/31/2024 09:55 AM

The last time Khabib Nurmagomedov was in Abu Dhabi, "The Eagle" was defending his 155-pound title against Justin Gaethje atop the UFC 254 pay-per-view (PPV) event. Nearly four years later, the former lightweight champion will return to "Fight Island" once again, this time to corner his cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov.

Umar battles No. 2-ranked bantamweight contender, Cory Sandhagen, atop the UFC Abu Dhabi fight card this weekend on ABC.

"It will be Usman (Nurmagomedov), Shamil Zavurov, Javier (Mendez), and Khabib," the No. 10-ranked Umar told MMA Junkie.

Sandhagen is expected to counter with Trevor Wittman, Ryan Hall, and Carrington Banks.

Khabib, 35, retired from UFC after defeating Gaethje and has appeared sporadically over the years, popping up to help top contenders and current champions prepare for marquee matchups.

Now "The Eagle" must do some preparing of his own to face his ongoing tax troubles.