Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 and announced his retirement right after the fight
The UFC world saw one of its greatest call the curtains as Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from the sport.
The Russian came into UFC 254 with a record of 28 wins and no losses in his MMA career. However, there seemed to be a lot playing on Khabib’s mind.
He had lost his father a few months back and he looked concerned and relieved after the weigh-ins. However, all that tension went down the drain as Khabib dominated Gaethje from the first minute. While some judges gave Gaethje the first round in this title bout, Khabib made a huge statement in the second.
The Russian was doing extremely well to take Gaethje down and submitted the American using an incredible triangle choke.
Gaethje was tapping away but the referee missed that and the American was out cold by the time the ref pulled Khabib off.
This led to an emotional outburst from Khabib as he cried in the Octagon before Gaethje came to console him.
The Russian also took his gloves off and made a huge statement to Jon Anik.
A promise made
Khabib was in tears before the post-fight interview. He praised Gaethje for taking care of his people so well and wanted others to do the same to their parents.
Khabib added that this was his last fight as he made a promise to his mother. The loss of his father seems to be too big a hurdle to cross, and that could have been playing on his mind throughout the camp and fight week.
This one was for Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZZdywrlE5e
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
The Russian ends his UFC career with an incredible 29-0 record but he misses out on that fight with Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre.
Khabib will go down as one of the greatest ever and many UFC stars shared their reactions to this retirement.
While Khabib has been in wars with the likes of Tony Ferguson and Conor McGregor, almost everyone had something positive to say about the Russian.
Congratulations to the greatest champion in @ufc history. What a career, we are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with you my brother. 29-0 undefeated and undisputed. #weareaka #eaglesmma #fathersplan #heissoproud @TeamKhabib pic.twitter.com/uXjiT34JuV
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) October 24, 2020
Thank you for showing us your heart inside that cage GOAT @TeamKhabib #UFC254
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) October 24, 2020
The best pound for pound fighter in the world Congrats champion 🏆 @TeamKhabib #UFC254 @ufc
— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) October 24, 2020
The best to ever do it @TeamKhabib
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) October 24, 2020
Congratulations to my brother 🙏🏿🙏🏿 @TeamKhabib and keep your head up my brother @Justin_Gaethje #UFC254
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) October 24, 2020
He’s definitely #1 pound for pound!! Congratulations on a great career #UFC254
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) October 24, 2020
Man I’m tearing up .Khabib champ
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 24, 2020
I’m 100% behind giving @TeamKhabib the #1 P4P ranking! Absolutely earned! Congrats on an AMAZING career. You are an inspiration. Much love. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 #UFC254
— “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) October 24, 2020
Phenomenon. 🦅 @TeamKhabib 👏👏👏#UFC254
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) October 24, 2020
Until I take that heavily crown, I grant you the spot. 🤙🏾 Enjoy Champ
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020
Undisputed
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) October 24, 2020
The Legacy of Khabib is unmatched 👏🏻👏🏻
What an emotional moment after losing his father earlier this year. #ufc254
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) October 24, 2020
Good performance @TeamKhabib.
I will carry on.
Respect and condolences on your father again also. To you and family.
Yours sincerely, The McGregors.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 24, 2020
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