UFC president Dana White believes Khabib Nurmagomedov will come out of retirement and aim to improve his record to 30-0.

Khabib, 32, stunningly announced his retirement after beating Justin Gaethje to defend the lightweight championship at UFC 254 last week.

But White feels Khabib will return to honour his father Abdulmanap, who died in July after complications from a coronavirus infection.

"Khabib and I have been talking," White told CBS Sports on Thursday.

"He was completely emotional that night when he got through that fight. I have a feeling that he might go for 30-0."

White added: "I think that he's not going to retire.

"His dad wanted him to get to 30-0 and I think he wants to honour his dad's wish."