Referee Herb Dean separates Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia from Conor McGregor of Ireland after McGregor tapped out in their UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 229 event inside T-Mobile Arena on October 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Khabib Nurmagomedov wins UFC submission of the year award
Former UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov was awarded the UFC submission of the year award this week. His effort against Justin Gaethje in October 2020 was enough to land him the award.
His excellent Triangle Choke on The Highlight warranted him this award, despite that being his only fight of 2020.
That fight, at the main event of UFC 254, holds extra significance. That turned out to be Nurmagomedov’s last professional MMA fight before he announced his retirement that day.
Since then, however, it has been said that the Russian could make a comeback to the promotion.
That would depend on the result of this weekend’s PPV, where he would supposedly make his decision to return based on how the lightweight contenders perform.
The main event, of course, features the titanic clash between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. Nevertheless, he has some time before the that PPV to acknowledge the most recent award he has been awarded.
The Russian took to his Twitter account to share his thoughts on the award. The picture features Nurmagomedov holding the award, and his words highlight how such trophies immortalize moments such as his submission over Gaethje.
“This award “Submission of the year” has a great importance for me and my legacy, years will pass but history will remain. There are many significant moments in my career, that will be remembered in a years. @ufc“
The lightweight champion is 29-0-0 in professional MMA. It is rumoured that if he does come back, it would be against GSP, Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, or even Charles Oliveira.
No matter the opponent, fans would be itching to see the MMA legend inside the once again.
Follow our dedicated UFC page for instant UFC news and updates