The world was surprised after UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov announced that he was retiring prior to his win at UFC 254 on Saturday (24 October).
After a staggering 29 straight win record, the undefeated Russian has decided that it’s time for him to lay down the gloves. In a post-fight interview, he said “Today I want to say this is my last fight. No way am I coming here without my father”, as reported by SkySports.
This is his first fight without his father and coach Abdulmanap. Earlier this year, his father passed away due to complications caused by Covid-19. Even then he managed to secure the win against Justin Gaethje making his record 29-0.
In a very emotional post-fight interview, Khabib also said;
“When UFC called me about Justin I spoke with my mother for three days.”
“She didn’t want me to fight without father and I said this is my last fight – and I have given her my word.”
“Thank you, coach, thank you, guys. Today is my last fight in the UFC.”
UFC president Dana White also revealed that during the UFC 254 fight, Khabib was competing with a broken foot. Retiring with a 29-0 record and defending his title with a broken foot, he is undoubtedly one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.
The news of Khabib’s spectacular win spread through social media like wildfire. Many fans and fellow athletes took to Twitter to congratulate him.
Congratulations to @Teamkhabib for his amazing performance last night and a career as perfect as you can get as an athlete! pic.twitter.com/2zwVgCMlRX
— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) October 25, 2020
Former two-division UFC champion and mixed martial arts legend, George St-Pierre also took the chance to congratulate Khabib on the win.
Connor McGregor, his former rival also showed respect to the champ by posting on his official Twitter account saying “Good performance @TeamKhabib. I will carry on. Respect and condolences on your father again also. To you and family. Yours sincerely, The McGregors.”
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
Many Malaysian fans took the chance to congratulate the champoin.
😭😭😭 big love from Malaysia to Khabib. Undefeated 29-0 https://t.co/rBVjxpr770
— azamAnarchy (@azamAnarchy) October 24, 2020
GOAT 🐐
Thanks for everything bro Khabib..
Salute from Malaysia 🇲🇾
👏👏👏👏#Khabib #TeamKhabib #TheEagle#Malaysia pic.twitter.com/NfotQLa9H2— MR.DAUZCR7 (MFBK) (@dauzaini) October 24, 2020
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Also read: Manny Pacquiao To Face Connor McGregor In Epic Boxing Match For Covid-19 Relief Fund
