Tyson Fury duped by Khabib Nurmagomedov video 'announcing' UFC return

Tyson Fury has been duped by an AI video suggesting UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is coming out of retirement.

Nurmagomedov, a former lightweight champion, retired from MMA after defeating Justin Gaethje in 2020. Since then, fans have been clamouring for the 'Eagle' to make a sensational return to the cage. The Russian made a promise to his mother five years ago that he would never fight again following his bout with the American.

This vow was made shortly after the death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Last year, the 36 year old reiterated that there is 'no chance' of him returning to the ring. However, it seems Fury didn't get the memo. The 'Gypsy King' was fooled by an AI video recently circulated on social media, reports All Out Fighting.

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The video featured the 'Eagle' supposedly discussing a return to the UFC and a potential match against bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, accompanied by the caption: "KHABIB WILL COME BACK TO THE UFC AND FIGHT MERAB!" It was clear, however, that old footage had been used with a voiceover mimicking Nurmagomedov's voice.

The creator even labelled the video as 'Silly AI'. Fans were amused when Fury shared the clip on his Instagram story and tagged Nurmagomedov's account. At the height of his career, the 'Eagle' had to lose a significant amount of weight to meet the 155lb lightweight limit. Therefore, losing an additional 20lbs would be nothing short of torture for the 36 year old.

Nurmagomedov is now mentoring top fighters in his beloved Dagestan, aiming to mould future champions. It's certain that he won't be making a comeback to the ring.

However, the same can't be said for Fury, who last week announced his return to boxing. Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh revealed on X - previously known as Twitter - stating: "The 'Gypsy King' will be back! ! ! I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in 2026. We have a rabbit to hunt!".

The Morecambe fighter later stated that the third bout between him and long-standing adversary Oleksandr Usyk is set for April 18, 2026 at Wembley Stadium. The 36 year old took to Instagram last Thursday, sharing a fight poster featuring both him and the Ukrainian, with the caption: "April 18, 2026 Wembley Stadium. The trilogy! UK. contact @spencerbrownmrgoldstar for tickets."

After officially announcing the trilogy fight on Instagram, fans were quick to voice their opinions. "Woohoo... The fight no one wants to see," one fan commented. Another added: "Don't really see the point in this trilogy. Fury could knock Usyk out first round and Usyk would still have the better record both in and out of the trilogy."

A third responded, "Trilogies should only happen if there are questions that need to be answered from the first two fights. All the questions have been answered," while another stated: "Just fight AJ ffs. No one wants to watch you lose again to Usyk." One more added: "What's the point? Fought twice, well beaten twice." Yet another voiced their opinion saying, "The fight nobody asked for," with a different commenter remarking: "No way, we don't need this fight please."