Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Undefeated and undisputed UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from MMA earlier today (Sat., Oct. 24, 2020) at UFC 254 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Flash Forum on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., following his second-round submission win over Justin Gaethje.
Many knew that Khabib’s time with UFC was numbered as he pushed his way towards a remarkable 30-0 professional record, but nobody thought he’d hang it up after his title unification bout with Gaethje. After all, Khabib had multiple suitors lining up for the next shot at his 155-pound crown, including Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, and Michael Chandler.
Nonetheless, “Eagle” decided to call it quits after his UFC 254 destruction. Khabib made a passionate statement during his post-fight interview (shown below) and revealed that he made a promise to his mother to no longer compete without his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who passed away earlier this year.
“This is my last fight.”@TeamKhabib pays his respects following a dominant performance at #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/5HiUvJXBJC
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
“Today I want to say this was my last fight,” Nurmagomedov announced. “No way I’m going to come here without my father. It was first time after what happened with my father, when UFC called me about Justin, I talk with my mother three days. She doesn’t want me to go fight without my father but I promised her it was going to be my last fight.”
Knowing that Khabib is man of his word it’s safe to say this is the last time fight fans will get to see the undefeated UFC lightweight champion fight inside of the Octagon.
Nurmagomedov, 32, will leave a legendary 29-0 record (13-0 UFC) behind and easily go down as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time. His last four trips to the Octagon were all title wins, including three defenses of his 155-pound belt and three equally impressive submission wins.
If this is in fact the end of Khabib’s MMA career, what will you remember the most?
Let’s hear it!
For complete UFC 254 results and coverage click here.