Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
After making 29-0 a reality, Khabib Nurmagomedov is closing the book on his storied career after UFC 254.
On Saturday at UFC 254, Khabib Nurmagomedov stepped inside the UFC for the first time with his father no longer by his side. And after he got the job done against Justin Gaethje, the undefeated “Eagle” decided it would be the last.
Khabib made the announcement during the Octagon interview with Jon Anik.
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
“Today, I want to say, this is my last fight,” an emotional Khabib said. “No way I’m gonna 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 don’t want I go fight without father, but I promise her it’s gonna be my last fight. And if I give my word, I have to follow this.”
With an undefeated record comprised of three dominant title defenses and remarkable performances against the elite 155-pounders in the planet, the 32-year-old Dagestani fighter only has one request from the UFC.
“I know I only one thing I want from UFC. Tuesday, you got to put me on number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world because I deserve this,” he stated. “Undisputed UFC lightweight champion. 13-0, 13 in UFC. 29 in all my pro MMA career.”
Khabib walks away from the sport with an unprecedented 29-0 record.