5 reasons Charles Oliveira could bring Khabib Nurmagomedov out of retirement

#2. Khabib Nurmagomedov may want to avenge Islam Makhachev

Makhachev will fight Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title

Khabib Nurmagomedov remained very active in his retirement and has taken over his deceased father's role as the head coach of many Dagestani fighters. His current star pupil is almost certainly Islam Makhachev, who will have the opportunity to follow in his mentor's footsteps should he defeat Charles Oliveira next time out.

Makhachev taking over from Nurmagomedov as the dominant lightweight champion is likely what 'The Eagle' envisioned when he stepped away. If that does happen, you'd imagine he'd continue to coach, but if Oliveira can win, suddenly things get more interesting.

With the reputation of not just himself and Makhachev, but all of the Dagestani fighters seemingly at stake, 'The Eagle' would hate to see the Brazilian triumph. He could very well want to prove that he and his peers are still the best in the sport and be tempted out of retirement should Oliveira win his next fight.

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#1. People legitimately feel Charles Oliveira is better

Oliveira defeated Gaethje in the first round of his last fight

In recent times, Charles Oliveira has created a debate as to who is better between himself and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Since winning the vacant belt, he has finished both Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje in a shorter amount of time than Nurmagomedov was able to.

If Oliveira is able to defeat Islam Makhachev in his next fight, the debate will likely swing significantly in his favor. After all, Makhachev has a very similar style to 'The Eagle' and is being instructed throughout each fight by Nurmagomedov. Should Oliveira win, he will likely feel he has proven to be superior to 'The Eagle'.

The direct comparison to Oliveira and the genuine intrigue as to how this fight would play out might just be enough to tempt Nurmagomedov out of retirement. With that being said, Khabib appears to be a man of his word, and so even then, his return would be far from a sure thing.