The undisputed, undefeated, Khabib Nurmagomedov announced the victorious retirement from the Mix Martial Arts (MMA) after knocking Justin Gaethje with a triangle choke early in the second round at UFC 254 on Saturday night. The unbeaten Russian champion made the decision shortly after he impressively finished his first fight since the death of his father and lifetime coach in July with a record of 29-0.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Retires from UFC
It was also Khabib’s first fight without his father and coach, Abdulmanap, who died from complications caused by coronavirus earlier this year, and also he went into with a broken foot.
In a heartfelt post-fight conversation, Nurmagomedov said:
“Today, I want to say this is my last fight.
“When UFC called me about Justin, I spoke with my mother and I said I wouldn’t fight without my father.
“And if I give my word, then I must follow it. UFC must make me No 1 pound for pound fighter in the world because I deserve it.”
The 32-year-old Nurmagomedov was aggressive from the start with punches and with grappling against Gaethje (22-3), the dangerous fighter who had knocked out four back-to-back elite competitors while winning the UFC’s interim lightweight title.
After spending the first round mostly exchanging blows and kicks with the competitive Gaethje, Nurmagomedov used his unmatched wrestling abilities to take down Gaethje ahead in the second round and then went into position for the finishing choke winning the last fight of his career.
Many celebrities also took to their social media accounts to praise the first undefeated champion of UFC. Chris Hemsworth paid tribute by sharing the Russian fighter picture with a caption that read:
“Khabib Nurmagomedov best ever #UFC.”
Zayn Malik left his social media in wonder and excitement after he reacted to the victory of MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov’s win on Saturday. The former member of One Direction took to Twitter to congratulate the champion following his triumph against Justin Gaethje.
UFC mashallah Khabib” wrote Zayn.
@UFC mashallah Khabib 🙌🏽
— zayn (@zaynmalik) October 24, 2020
Retired WWE star, hardcore UFC fan, and the highest paid actor Dwayne Johnson took to Twitter to share that even though he was working out, he would keep checking his phone for updates on the fight. The size of the fight was such that it could distract ‘The Rock’ from his exercise.
Gotta crush this training session now but #UFC254 just started. 2pm fights threw me off dammit 😂
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) October 24, 2020
Best of luck to all the fighters and put on a great show! Training comes first.. checking my phone for updates.#ineedmyfix 🤣 #hardestworkersintheroom
Featherweight Megan Anderson who is set to challenge Amanda Nunes towards the end of this year tweeted about Khabib’s legacy.
The Legacy of Khabib is unmatched 👏🏻👏🏻
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) October 24, 2020
What an emotional moment after losing his father earlier this year. #ufc254
Pakistani starlet Hira Mani also expressed her joy over Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Nurmagomedov’s win over Justin Gaethje.
In an Instagram post, Mani wrote: “Alhamdulillah, Khabib The Eagle. 29-0,” a quotation to the unbeaten record of the Russian brawler.
