UFC: Khabib Nurmagomedov defeats Justin Gaethje and retires
Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Valery Sharifulin \ TASS via Getty Images
Text by: David Kalfa Follow
3 min
Khabib Nurmagomedov defended his title of lightweight world champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the most prestigious mixed martial arts (MMA) league, on October 24, 2020 in Abu Dhabi.
Right after beating American Justin Gaethje by submission in UFC 254, the Russian announced it was his last fight.
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Khabib Nurmagomedov is prostrate in tears, on the fighting surface of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), this October 24, 2020 in Abu Dhabi.
The Russian has yet successfully defended for the third time his title of world champion in mixed martial arts (
MMA
), within the prestigious UFC.
But for the king of lightweights, professional MMA, it's over, he says.
The 32-year-old Dagestan has just submitted the American Justin Gaethje in the second round, after having roughed him in the first.
A real show of strength from the man who now has
a record of 29 victories in as many fights
.
But Khabib Nurmagomedov does not see himself attempting the 30-0.
Too marked by the death of his father
“
It was my last fight
, he blurted out at the UFC microphone, as soon as his belt was retained.
I cannot come here without my father.
I promise this will be my last fight.
If I give my word, I must keep it
”.
The person obviously did not digest the death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who was also his lifelong coach.
The latter had succumbed to Covid-19 last July.
A machine that has become an icon
Khabib Nurmagomedov was tipped to face Georges Saint-Pierre, another MMA and UFC legend.
This long-awaited shock will undoubtedly not happen, even if Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov dreamed of it for his son.
Khabib Nurmagomedov was still little known to the general public before his coronation against Al Iaquinta in April 2018 and especially his first title defense against superstar
Conor McGregor
in October 2018. Since then, the Irishman was burning to have his revenge.
He too will no doubt have to make up his mind.
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