Khabib Nurmagomedov could make stunning return at UFC 300 and battle Leon Edwards for the welterweight title... after his former coach revealed the Russian 'is back training' three years after retiring

Nurmagomedov retired from UFC in 2020 with a professional record of 29-0 Leon Edwards confirmed he will make a third defence at UFC 300 in AprilIs it a myth that Anthony Joshua struggles against southpaws? The Hook 

Fans could be set for a mouthwatering clash as rumours swirl of a welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 300.

The Brit was expected to make his third title defence against rightful contender Belal Muhammad at the Las Vegas showcase in April.

However, according to former UFC star Chael Sonnen, Edwards could instead face the 35-year-old Hall of Famer following a recent revelation from his coach that he has returned to training.

‘Coach Javier Mendez, owner and leader of the American Kickboxing Academy, came out in an interview and said that Khabib is back training with me.’ Sonnen said on Youtube.

‘He said, “Khabib always goes to practice, but he only trains with me when he’s getting ready for a fight.” And that is all I know.’

Khabib Nurmagomedov last professional fight came in a dominant win against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in 2020

Chael Sonnen believes that the recent revelation from Nurmagomedov raises questions on who Leon Edwards’s opponent will be at UFC 300

Nurmagomedov retired in 2020 after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. He ended with a professional record of 29-0 and was arguably one of the most dominant fighters of his generation.

But Mendez’s comments raise the question of a sensational return and Sonnen theorised that UFC 300 could play a big part.

He continued: ‘There is some reason that Leon versus Belal did not get made. It was expected and it was planned. Something became available.

‘This is nothing more than a rumour but it’s a rumour that came from coach Mendez who’s training him. Who says, “I don’t train him unless it’s for a fight.” It’s fascinating.

‘You know he’s not going to come back at [lightweight], and the very first association went, of course, to Canada. Of course, it went to Georges St-Pierre. And that sure would be a super-fight, but how do you put on top of the bill a non-title when it’s your biggest bill that you’ve ever booked? It’s an interesting situation.

Leon Edwards successfully defended his welterweight title against Colby Covington last year

‘There is a reason that Belal and Leon isn’t booked and that might come around, but if that comes around that’s because the reason I speak of fell out.

‘But there is a reason. Khabib is training for a reason. Khabib is not fighting at 155 pounds ever again and Dana [White]’s not putting on UFC 300 without a title on top of the bill.’

Edwards confirmed that he will defend his title at UFC 300 later this year. The 32-year-old overcame Colby Covington by unanimous decision at UFC 296.