UFC president Dana White refused to let Khabib Nurmagomedov know his plans for the lightweight title after the legendary fighter texted him a suggestion last week.
The Russian is one of the most well-known fighters in the history of the promotion, and is generally known to have the ear of White when it comes to suggestions and planning. But when he urged the UFC boss to give his next world title fight at 155lb to Islam Makhachev, Nurmagomedov was ignored for the first time in their relationship.
The former lightweight champion retired from the sport on top back in 2020, leaving the belt vacant after his win over Justin Gaethje. Charles Oliveira ultimately scooped it up by beating Michael Chandler, before defending against Dustin Poirier and beating Gaethje in a non-title fight after missing weight by half-a-pound.
