Odds Heavily Against Khabib vs GSP Taking Place Before End of 2021

• Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Georges St Pierre is a dream fight that the MMA world is once again buzzing about
• With all factors considered, is this something that can ultimately come to fruition?
• Check out the odds on this possible fight booking, analysis on who would win, and more
  

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Khabib vs GSP is once again consuming combat-sports discourse on social media. Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov against Georges “Rush” St Pierre is a fight that has been discussed for years but has been a complicated bout to figure out.

GSP, a former dual-division champion and the welterweight GOAT, is closing in on 40. Conversely, Nurmagomedov has been dominant as the undefeated UFC lightweight champion, but his recent personal tragedy could compromise that.

Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap, passed away from COVID-19-related issues earlier this month. The clock is ticking on this one and uncertainty is rampant.

Odds Khabib vs GSP Fight Takes Place by Dec. 31, 2021

Odds as of July 28, 2020. 

Khabib’s last fight came all the way back in September 2019, when he finished Dustin Poirier via third-round rear-naked choke at UFC 242.

GSP’s last octagon foray was in November 2017 at UFC 217. He choked out Michael Bisping in the main event and captured the promotion’s middleweight championship. Promotional figurehead Dana White recently did an interview with ESPN and stated that, if Khabib truly wanted a GSP fight for a career sendoff, it would be considered.

"He's been great to the company, he's been great for the sport… I would do anything Khabib wanted to do."@danawhite says he would consider @TeamKhabib's wishes for his final fight, including a potential bout with @GeorgesStPierre. (via @bokamotoESPN) pic.twitter.com/pqre0cWiqS

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 28, 2020

Both men utilize grappling as a key part of their gameplans. Nurmagomedov has the edge in terms of landing destructive ground and pound but St Pierre, who started his martial-arts life as a karateka, has more tools in his toolbox in standup exchanges.

There would have been a ton of competitive parity in this matchup had they fought each other in their primes. Now, with all factors considered, the 31-year-old Khabib would have a decided advantage. If it were to go down prior to that Dec 31st, 2021 deadline.

The Eagle vs Rush

Khabib is now scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje in October, which came as something of a surprise. Following the death of Khabib’s father, Daniel Cormier (Khabib’s longtime training partner) wasn’t sure if Nurmagomedov would return to competition at all.

"I don't think he's fighting this year, honestly, and it's going to take a lot of strength from a very strong man, for Khabib to be back in Octagon ever [again], I think."@dc_mma talks about what it will take for Khabib to return to fighting after the passing of his father. pic.twitter.com/PUroz9NugC

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 20, 2020

With Khabib presently at 28-0, there have been rumblings that he wants to retire with a 30-0 pro record. Following up the Gaethje fight with a matchup against GSP would achieve that.

Khabib vs GSP is a fight that both parties have shown interest in It’s a great legacy fight for both, and it could be a huge payday for everyone.

Gaethje is a big obstacle, though, and a GSP superfight is predicated on Khabib running through Gaethje in October. I could see the bout going down sometime in the fall of 2021 if Khabib emerges with a 29-0 record on October 24th.

Dana White has long wanted a McGregor vs Khabib sequel, but I think GSP vs Khabib could very well determine the greatest fighter in the history of MMA. With recent circumstances and the blockbuster potential, I think we end up seeing Khabib vs GSP.