Reigning UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from the world of Mixed Martial Art and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He did so following his successful win over interim champion Justin Gaethje during UFC 254.
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Nurmagomedov (32) was up against Gaethje in a bout to unify the 155lb title. In the process, the former defeated him in the second round, with a triangle choke submission, which also brought up his 29th career win.
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While it was believed that Nurmagomedov would continue more and even claim his 30th win in the upcoming matches, he decided to call it quits. Also, in an emotional gesture, his teammates asked him to cut his gloves, prior to announcing his retirement.
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“It was my last fight. There’s no way I’m going to come here without my father. It was the first time after what happened with my father, when the UFC called me about (fighting) Justin, I talked with my mother for three days," he announced following his win over Gaethje.
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“She (mother) didn’t want me to fight without father, but I promised her it was going to be my last fight, and if I give my word, I have to follow this. It was my last fight here," he continued.
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“I know only one thing I want from the UFC: Tuesday, you guys have to put me number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, because I deserve this. Undisputed UFC lightweight champion, 13-0, 13 in the UFC, 29 in my pro-MMA career. I think I deserve this," he concluded.
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Khabib announced his retirement in order to honour his father, who passed away in July, owing to COVID-19 complications, following heart surgery. His father was his long-time trainer in the sport as well.
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Nurmagomedov, so far, holds a perfect MMA record, as he stays unbeaten, with a win-loss ratio of 29-0. He won the Lightweight Championship once, which he successfully defended it on three occasions.
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He won Performance of the Night on three instances. He also holds the record of most takedowns in a single UFC bout, of 21 takedowns on 28 attempts in three rounds, which he did so in UFC 160, against Abel Trujillo.
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