Khabib Nurmagomedov shockingly RETIRES after UFC 254 victory over Justin Gaethje in emotional Octagon speech
KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV made it 29-0 before announcing his shock retirement from MMA.
‘The Eagle’ forced Justin Gaethje to submit in the second to retain his UFC lightweight title.
The 32-year-old said: “I talked with my mother for three days. I promised her it was my last fight and if I give my word – I have to follow this. It was my last fight here.”
The star, who has been linked with a rematch against against Conor Mcgregor and a dream fight with Georges St. Pierre, added: I know only one thing I want from UFC… No.1 undisputed pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
“I know I deserve it. !3-0 in UFC, 29-0 in my pro career.”
The lightweight king reigned supreme against Gaethje, three months after dad Abdulmanap passed away aged 57 due to coronavirus.
The first minute of the opening round proved cagey, as Nurmagomedov sized up a way to takedown Gaethje.
Interim champion Gaethje grazed the chin of Khabib early with a lethal right hand, as he eluded the grappling exchanges.
Nurmagomedov’s pressure was constant, as he closed the distance down with a jab, but was threatened with constant hooks from the challenger.
After Russian Khabib missed with a flying knee, Gaethje landed a massive uppercut and hook combination, which the champion walked right through.
Afterwards, Nurmagomedov was finally able to land a takedown and looked to lock in a choke.
Gaethje was able to survive the round, which belong to Khabib.
The start of the second opened with Gaethje landing a leg kick, but Nurmagomedov did not wilt.
He managed to get a hold of Gaethje, forcing him on to the floor and took his back before moving into full mount.
There, he swiftly locked in a triangle choke, leaving his opponent little chance of escaping.
Moments later, Gaethje was forced to tap – which the referee initially missed – before he waved off the fight.
Nurmagomedov immediately dropped to his knees and wept as he prayed on the UFC canvas.
He leaves the sport undefeated in 29 fights, having cleared out the lightweight division.
