Khabib Nurmagomedov meets Virgil van Dijk in Dubai and wishes Liverpool defender well in his recovery

UFC lightweight champion posts picture of him and injured defender at Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex

Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia celebrates his victory over Justin Gaethje in their lightweight title bout during the UFC 254 event on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Khabib Nurmagomedov after his victory over Justin Gaethje in their lightweight title bout during the UFC 254 event on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia celebrates his victory over Justin Gaethje in their lightweight title bout during the UFC 254 event in Abu Dhabi.

Justin Gaethje kicks Khabib Nurmagomedov,

Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia submits Justin Gaethje in their lightweight title bout during the UFC 254 event on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Khabib hugs his father after beating Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi in September 2019.

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has signed professional football contract with Legion Dynamo.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has wished Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk well on his road to recovery, after the pair was pictured together at their training base in Dubai.

The UFC lightweight champion, who retired from the sport in October, met Van Dijk at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex. The Dutch centre-back, 29, has been out of action since October too, when he suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in the 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.

Having undergone surgery in England, and then a period of rehabilitation at the English champions, Van Dijk has spent much of his time since in Dubai.

Nurmagomedov, 32, has also used NAS Sports Complex to help get in shape for his past two bouts, most recently in the build-up to his unification bout with Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi. The unbeaten champion prevailed by second-round submission to move to 29-0. He announced his retirement immediately after the victory.

On Friday, Nurmagomedov posted a picture on social media alongside Van Dijk, saying: "It was nice to meet you @virgilvandijk at @nas_sc. I wish you get well and recovery soon, I know what it is injures, be patient".

Van Dijk’s date of return to the Liverpool side has not been confirmed, although manager Jurgen Klopp said earlier this month that the Netherlands captain’s recovery was looking “really promising”.