Khabib Nurmagomedov extended his perfect professional record by retaining his UFC 254 lightweight title – then announced his retirement
32-year-old Russian Nurmagomedov defeated interim champion Justin Gaethje with a triangular submission in the second round to claim a 29th victory and unify the 155 lb title
Nurmagomedov said he honored the memory of his father, trainer and mentor Abdulmanap, who died in July from complications related to Covid-19
Although many believed Nurmagomedov would chase his 30th professional victory before considering retirement, the emotional champion asked his teammates to cut his gloves before leaving
« It was my last fight There is no way I can come here without my dad, » he said « It was the first time after what happened with my dad, when the UFC called me about (fighting) Justin, I spoke with my mom for three days
« She didn’t want me to fight without a father, but I promised her this would be my last fight, and if I give my word I have to follow this This was my last fight here
« I only know one thing I want from the UFC: Tuesday you have to put me as the # 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world because I deserve it
« Undisputed UFC lightweight champion, 13-0, 13 in UFC, 29 in my professional MMA career I think I deserve this »
UFC 254, which marked the final event of the sport’s second stint on Yas Island, saw the return of Nurmagomedov, who was unable to defend his title earlier this year due to Covid-19 travel restrictions in Russia
At the time, Nurmagomedov was scheduled to face rival Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, but Ferguson faced Gaethje instead, and was stopped in the fifth round as ‘The Highlight’ won the interim title and is entered the first place
Gaethje was bound to cause problems for Nurmagomedov, with his collegiate wrestling experience seen as a possible antidote to the champion’s stifling wrestling style
But Nurmagomedov dominated the first round with his high pressure approach, then submitted Gaethje in the second
Nurmagomedov has added Gaethje’s name to a list of defeated opponents which also includes Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, Al Iaquinta and Edson Barboza
Nurmagomedov thanked Gaethje, who had organized for his parents to fly abroad for the first time in their lives to watch him fight for the title, and paid tribute to a man who four years ago , had helped him gain weight as he struggled to lose the last few pounds for his short-notice fight with Darrell Horcher
« Thank you very much, Justin 2016 I remember when I lost weight, you helped me a lot Thank you, my brother » said Nurmagomedov
« I know you are a great man I know how you take care of your loved ones I know a lot about you
« Be close to your people, because you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow You never know »
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Khabib Nurmagomedov, Ultimate Fighting Championship, Justin Gaethje, Mixed Martial Arts, Conor McGregor, Robert Whittaker
World News – UK – Nurmagomedov retires after beating Gaethje
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com