Khabib Nurmagomedov choked out Justin Gaethje in the second round of their title fight at UFC 254 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi and then he got choked up afterward and announced his retirement from the UFC.
Nurmagomedov, who broke down in tears right after the fight, was fighting for the first time since the death of his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov in July. His dad was his longtime coach and a legend in the fight game.
Khabib explained that his mother didn’t want him to fight without his father by his side but that he needed to wrap up his business with Gaethje before calling it quits.
Here’s his post-fight interview in which he made the announcement:
"This is my last fight."@TeamKhabib pays his respects following a dominant performance at #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/5HiUvJXBJC
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
He put his gloves down in the Octagon as a symbol of his retirement:
29-0.
A legacy that will never be equaled… #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/yck8dXSBQK
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
UFC fighters and fans had reactions:
Good performance @TeamKhabib.
I will carry on.
Respect and condolences on your father again also. To you and family.
Yours sincerely, The McGregors.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 24, 2020
Congratulations to the greatest champion in @ufc history. What a career, we are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with you my brother. 29-0 undefeated and undisputed. #weareaka #eaglesmma #fathersplan #heissoproud @TeamKhabib pic.twitter.com/uXjiT34JuV
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) October 24, 2020
Thank you for showing us your heart inside that cage GOAT @TeamKhabib #UFC254
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) October 24, 2020
The best to ever do it @TeamKhabib
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) October 24, 2020
He’s definitely #1 pound for pound!! Congratulations on a great career #UFC254
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) October 24, 2020
Man I’m tearing up .Khabib champ
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 24, 2020
I’m 100% behind giving @TeamKhabib the #1 P4P ranking! Absolutely earned! Congrats on an AMAZING career. You are an inspiration. Much love. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 #UFC254
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) October 24, 2020
Undisputed
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) October 24, 2020
The Legacy of Khabib is unmatched 👏🏻👏🏻
What an emotional moment after losing his father earlier this year. #ufc254
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) October 24, 2020
The best pound for pound fighter in the world Congrats champion 🏆 @TeamKhabib #UFC254 @ufc
— rakic_ufc (@rakic_ufc) October 24, 2020
29-0. After a masterful, skilled, beautifully well rounded performance Khabib leaves his gloves in the octagon and announces his retirement. Wow.
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) October 24, 2020