Justin Gaethje and Khabib Nurmagomedov will stand in opposite corners this weekend at a PFL New York event. Gaethje confirmed he will corner Archie Colgan in the lightweight world title bout. Khabib is expected to corner his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov.
The main event takes place Friday, July 31, in New York. Undefeated PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov defends his title against undefeated challenger Archie Colgan.
Gaethje and Khabib last met in the cage at UFC 254 on October 24, 2020. Khabib submitted Gaethje with a triangle choke in the second round to unify the UFC lightweight title. Khabib then retired with a perfect 29-0 record.
Gaethje has remained active in the UFC since that loss. Colgan trained with Gaethje ahead of one of Gaethje’s recent title fights. Colgan said Gaethje inspired him and helped his career. Gaethje will now support Colgan from the corner as he seeks his first world title.
Khabib has stayed involved in MMA as a coach and mentor after retirement. Videos show him in New York with Usman ahead of the fight. If Khabib works the corner for Usman, the two former opponents will occupy opposite sides of the cage for the first time since 2020.
The PFL New York card features the lightweight title fight as its headliner. Prelims begin in the afternoon with the main card later in the evening. Both Colgan and Usman enter the bout undefeated.
This marks a rare public crossover between the two former lightweight contenders in a coaching capacity. Gaethje continues his career in the UFC while supporting rising fighters. Khabib focuses on the next generation from his family and training circle.