UFC 254 results: Khabib chokes out Gaethje with triangle, retires from MMA

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Khabib Nurmagomedov just successfully defended his lightweight belt by finishing Justin Gaethje with a second-round triangle in the UFC 254 main event.

UFC 254 is officially in the books and the main event witnessed the undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, stop Justin Gaethje with a triangle choke in the second round. Khabib had to eat several hard leg kicks and a couple of cracking counter punches, but he was able to get Gaethje to the floor and find the finish. It should be noted that Gaethje did tap, but the referee didn’t see it and Justin briefly passed out. Nurmagomedov stated in his post-fight interview that this will be his final fight in the UFC as he gave his word to his mother that he would not continue to fight without his father. If Khabib stays retired then he will surely go down as one of the greatest fighters of all time that brought a unique smothering style to the forefront of MMA. With a flawless record of 29-0, is this really it for “The Eagle?”

The bout began with some feeling out. Gaethje stayed far back while Khabib was hesitant to run in. Gaethje worked his classic stinging leg kicks as Khabib started to pick up his pace. Khabib began scoring with strikes of his own as he backed up Justin, although he did walk into a couple of hard counter punches. Nurmagomedov got his takedown with about 30-seconds left in the round, and attacked an armbar as time expired.

Khabib came forward to start the second round, with Gaethje sitting back looking to counter. Gaethje kept scoring with his leg kicks, but gave up a takedown. Khabib went to full mount and then locked up a triangle before rolling to his back. Gaethje tapped but the referee didn’t see it and Gaethje went to sleep. Nurmagomedov instantly broke out into tears after everything he has gone through recently with the passing of his father.

Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Justin Gaethje by technical submission (Triangle) at 1:34 of round 2: Lightweight Title