Some UFC matchups remain fan fantasies—dreams like Brock Lesnar vs. Jon Jones that never became reality. Among those, Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Georges St-Pierre stood out as a legendary clash everyone wanted. A true legend vs. legend battle. Now, years later, GSP has revealed that Dana White actually offered him the fight after Khabib retired.
Talking to Ariel Helwani, GSP revealed he was nearly set to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov after the latter’s retirement. As per him, Dana White reached out, expressing interest in making the bout happen. Initially skeptical, St-Pierre contacted Khabib’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who denied any such plan. GSP explained that when they first proposed the fight, the UFC wasn’t interested.
Ironically, Dana pursued it later when both fighters had retired. Despite the timing, GSP admitted he would’ve accepted the fight, feeling he had no choice. “A few months after Khabib retired, Dana tried to make it because he knew we were both retired. I would have done it. I wouldn’t have had a choice,” he said.
GSP reveals how close he really was to fighting Khabib:
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 23, 2025
"After Khabib retired, Dana called me and asked me if I was interested in fighting Khabib. I found that was strange. I didn't really believe it. I said let me think about it. Then I called Ali Abdelaziz and Ali says that… pic.twitter.com/zOYZn1CpgG
Although the bout never materialized, the revelation adds new depth to what could have been one of the greatest fights in UFC history. It was a dream clash between two unbeaten legends in their prime, ‘The Eagle’ with his relentless grappling and GSP with his elite all-around game. Indeed, it would have been a solid matchup, where both fighters represented the peak of their generation.
Daniel Cormier Believes Khabib Nurmagomedov Could Still Be Fighting If Not For His Father’s Death
Cormier expressed that Nurmagomedov’s retirement felt too soon, believing Khabib could still be competing today. He noted that Islam Makhachev serves as an extension of Khabib’s legacy in the octagon. However, those who truly understand Khabib know how deeply his father’s passing affected him. It took a significant part of his drive and spirit, leading to his decision to step away from the sport. For Cormier, Khabib’s absence still leaves a void in the UFC.
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Indeed, Khabib’s retirement was a shocker for fans, coming so unexpectedly that no one saw it coming. At the peak of his dominance, he looked unstoppable and had plenty more to offer the sport. His undefeated record, unmatched grappling, and mental strength made him a once-in-a-generation fighter. Many believed he would continue building his legacy, but his sudden exit left fans wondering what could have been.
Also Read: Khabib Nurmagomedov Remembers Late Father In Heartfelt Update
