Khabib Nurmagomedov Retires after Gaethje's Fight

Khabib Nurmagomedov walked out in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 24, for what he had expected to be his last bout at the UFC in the aftermath of his father's passed away from COVID-19 in July. Khabib steadfastly entered the fight against Justin Gaethje, a lightweight UFC challenger and a friend of Khabib.

Within two rounds, the fight was over, with Khabib mounting Gaethje, scaling a fast cage and pinning a stunned opponent in a triangle choke that left the American unconscious for half a minute. Khabib was still king by the time Gaethje recovered consciousness.

The won victory Nurmagomedov said he now stands unbeaten at 29 wins. In reality, in the last eight years he has not suffered a single defeat, which is his entire career.

Khabib's victory was doubly remarkable not just due to his father's death, but also because three weeks before UFC 254 he had broken his foot. No one could discern that a generation of fighters could watch and learn from the career-defining bout in his showing on Saturday, and if so.

Khabib Ends Fight Because Of His Father

He devoted the win to his father who passed away at the age of 57 because of the coronavirus and declared that he was retiring. That was a promise he made to his mother, vowing that he would not continue to fight without his father at his side.

“I talked to my mother three days ago. She didn’t want me to go fight without father, but I promised her it’s going to be my last fight, and if I give my word, I have to follow this.”

Khabib said in the octagon on victory night.

In announcing his retirement fight, Khabib said he would only like the UFC to rate him as the world's number one pound-by-pound fighter – a title he deserved.

Khabib is one of six fighters in eight years to have clocked 13 victories, adding eight knockouts and 11 defeats to his career record. The UFC lightweight belt has been immediately passed to Gaethje who will also soon be seeing a championship contest.