Dana White insists Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC 253 bout is still on

Dana White insists there are no signs that Khabib Nurmagomedov wants to stand down from his UFC 253 fight, despite the death of his father.

Abdulumanap Nurmagomedov passed away due to complications brought on by coronavirus this month.

A huge influence on Khabib, his father was often seen by his side throughout his career, and the lightweight fighter has been given time by his sport to come to terms with his loss.

Khabib Nurmagomedov lost his father Abdulumanap following coronavirus complications 

Despite this though, White does not believe the title holder wants to stand down from his bout with Justin Gaethje. 

‘I don’t think it’s off the table,’ White told reporters about the UFC 253 main event, as per ESPN. 

‘I’m just waiting to hear from him. I’m not messing with Khabib. 

‘I’m leaving him alone until he’s ready to talk and letting him mourn and do what he has to do. 

‘I reached out to him the day of … I haven’t heard back from him since.’

UFC chief Dana White insists that he doesn’t think Khabib’s UFC 253 bout will have to be pulled