UFC lightweight unbeaten champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from MMA after he successfully defended his UFC lightweight title, against Justin Gaethje.
Khabib Nurmagomedov used his world-class ground game, at UFC 254, knocked out Justin Gaethje with a triangle choke at 1 minute, 34 seconds of round 2. With this fantastic win, Khabib moved to 29-0.
But during his postfight interview, Khabib stunned the world with the announcement of his retirement. The undefeated 32-year-old Khabib after the win took off his gloves and announced: “This is my last fight in the UFC.”
“There’s no way I’m going to be back without my father. I spoke to my mother. She doesn’t know how I fight without father, but I promised it’s going to be my last fight, and if I give my word, I have to follow it.”
Khabib’s father and coach Abdulmanap passed away in June due to the complications after getting infected with Covid-19.
Stars react to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement
On the eve of Khabib’s win and retirement St-Pierre said, “I want him to go with his family in peace and have the peace of mind, not thinking about fighting.” “Just relax, enjoy your retirement. If one day, you want to come back and do it, our managers will talk”, St-Pierre added.
“What a legacy. What a model in the sport. Just unbelievable. I’m very happy as a fan of Khabib to see the way he finished his career. Of course, as a competitor, maybe I would have liked to have had an agreement to make a fight with him, to organize it for us as fighters and also for the fans. But as a human being, I’m very, very happy for him. What a great career, what a great way to finish a career and leave a perfect legacy to the world of sport.”
Conor McGregor, who was beaten by Khabib in a famous fight two years ago, praised Khabib with words: “Good performance @TeamKhabib. I will carry on. Respect and condolences on your father again also. To you and family. Yours sincerely, The McGregors.”
Khabib’s fellow UFC fighters praised his historic win and called him best fighter in the world.