Khabib Nurmagomedov has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts. “The Eagle” successfully defended his UFC lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
Nurmagomedov extended his unbeaten record to 29-0 with a second-round submission win over Gaethje in Abu Dhabi.
It was his third successful title defence, having previously beaten Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier, and first fight without his father and coach, Abdulmanap, who died from complications caused by coronavirus earlier this year.
Khabib left it all in the cage for his last fight 🙏
A true warrior. pic.twitter.com/zK2TeeJdJb
— ESPN (@espn) October 24, 2020
In an emotional post-fight interview, Nurmagomedov said:
“Today I want to say this is my last fight. No way am I coming here without my father. When UFC comes to me about Justin (Gaethje) I spoke with my mother for three days.”
“She didn’t want me to fight without my father. I promised to her this was going to be my last fight and if I give her my word, I have to follow through with this.”
“There is only one thing I want from UFC, to put me as No 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world because I deserve it.”