The Russian mixed martial artist announced his retirement Saturday after defeating Justin Gaethje in the UFC 254 headliner.
Khabib, whose father died in July from complications caused by COVID-19, said “there’s no way I’m going to be back without my father.” He finishes his career with a perfect 29-0 record. With a second-round submission victory in Abu Dhabi, Nurmagomedov improved his undefeated record to 29-0-his third successful title defense, having defeated Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier previously.
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This was also the first Russian fight without his father and coach, Abdulmanap, who died earlier this year from coronavirus complications, and one he went to with a broken foot.
A legacy like no other! Thank you @TeamKhabib #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/GGqpGjJluR
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
Nurmagomedov said in an emotional post-fight interview: “I want to say this is my last fight today. I’m not coming here anyway without my father. I talked with my mother for three days before UFC contacted me about Justin.”
“She didn’t want me to fight without father and I said this is my last fight – and I have given her my word.
Justin, thank you so much. I know you’re fine, I know how you’re taking care of your people. Be tight to your parents, because tomorrow you never know what’s going to happen.Thank you coach, thank you guys, thank you. My last fight in the UFC is today. It was a fantasy of my father’s. In January, Justin and Conor will fight, I’ve choked them out, I’m not involved in this.
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