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The undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement after submitting Justin Gaethje to defend his lightweight title at UFC 254.
Khabib Nurmagomedov proved to be to much for Justin Gaethje as he won by second-round submission at UFC 254 then announced his retirement after the win.
What was the high point of the fight?
Khabib opened up the fight with a lot of pressure. Gaethje landed some good leg kicks but he continued to back up against the fence as Khabib advanced with combinations off his jabs. Khabib secured a double leg at the end of the first and came close to wrapping a submission before the buzzer sounded.
After Gaethje landed a hard leg kick in the second round, Khabib managed to secure a takedown and mounted Gaethje. Khabib then transitioned to a triangle, and despite tapping four times, Gaethje went unconscious before referee Jason Herzog stopped the fight.
Where do both men go from here?
Khabib cements himself as one the best UFC fighters of all time, and arguably the GOAT with his retirement. “The Eagle” retires with a record 29-0, with 13 of his victories coming in the UFC. The Russian said he promised his mother this would be his last fight after his father Adbulmanap passed away earlier this year.
The loss to Khabib snaps Gaethje’s four fight winning streak. It’s a possibility that the former interim champion will fight for Khabib’s vacated title next, but Tony Ferguson and Conor McGregor will likely be in that conversation also.
Watch it now, later or never?
It was a great way for Khabib to end his career, watch it now.
After trading on the feet @TeamKhabib secures the first takedown! #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/74GGVwFg1s
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
At the end of the first round, @TeamKhabib hunted a submission #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/pzbc3DtEJn
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 24, 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov put Justin Gaethje to sleep with a triangle choke #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/E2f3jCmt6M
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 24, 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement after #UFC254, walking away with an undefeated record of 29-0. pic.twitter.com/8zeppj5rZc
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 24, 2020