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Watch Khabib’s Russian speech after hanging up his gloves.
Khabib Nurmagomedov decided to leave his gloves inside the Octagon and conclude his hall-of-fame career after going 29-0 with a big victory over Justin Gaethje.
The lightweight champion didn’t participate at the UFC 254 post-fight press conference. So for those wishing to hear more from him after his final fight, Khabib did issue a message to his Russian speaking fans, which wasn’t really translated on the broadcast.
In his retirement speech, Nurmagomedov discussed his humble beginnings from the mountains of Dagestan to becoming a massive global star and UFC champion. After his father and coach passed away, Khabib also stated how he now wants to spend as much time as he can with his mother.
“To my fans — if I say my fans in Russia, that would be wrong. Let’s say all my Russian-speaking fans. A huge thank you to you all,” Khabib said as translated by RT Sport. “When I started in 2008, and when I signed with the UFC in 2012, many people didn’t believe. They thought it was impossible. I’m a simple guy from a Dagestani mountain village.
“When I came here, my brother told me ‘Google says you’re the planet’s most discussed person.’ I couldn’t believe it because I didn’t even think of that. I just wanted to be champion with the guidance of my father. I never thought I’d get such a heavy load dropped on my shoulders,” he said.
“Alhamdullillah (praise be to god). If you have parents, be close to them. That’s all,” Khabib stated. “I only have one parent left, my mom. I want to spend more time with her.”
Khabib, the top pound-for-pound MMA fighter today, will retire on top and on his own terms. He compiled a perfect 29-0 record and is leaving the sport at just 32-years-old.