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In the first fight after the death of his father – who died of complications from Covid-19 – who also served as his head coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov submitted American Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 254 to keep invincibility and the belt. Maximum light weight (70 kg). After the fight, the Russian announced his retirement from MMA.
Very moved after the dispute, Khabib set out to remove his gloves, leave them in the Octagon and announce his retirement. Shocked by the death of his father, the Russian revealed, during the post-fight interview, that he promised his mother that this would be his last fight.
The champion also stressed that he will no longer be able to return to the Octagon without the presence of his father, to whom he attributes the dream of becoming a UFC champion. Thus, Khabib leaves the sport undefeated, with 29 wins and no losses.
“Today I want to say that this was my last fight. There is no way I am coming back here without my dad. After what happened to my dad, the UFC offered me Justin (Gaethje). I spoke to my mom for three days, asking if I should do this without my father. And I promised my mother that this would be my last fight. And if I gave her my word, I have to keep it, “he said.
The struggle
The first round of the fight occurred exactly as both promised at the event press conference. With a lot of movement, avoiding his back on the grid, Gaethje opted for low kicks to try to derail the champion’s strategy. In turn, Khabib applied pressure for the first five minutes, achieving a knockdown late in the period and tiring his rival.
Visibly tired, the American sought to maintain his strategy, but could no longer escape the Russian. After a low kick from Gaethje, Khabib brought the fight to the ground and, with great technique, applied a triangle, ending the dispute.
Look at the results of UFC 254:
Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Justin Gaethje via submission;
Robert Whittaker defeated Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision;
Alexander Volkov defeated Walt Harris by technical knockout;
Phil Hawes defeated Jacob Malkoun by knockout;
Lauren Murphy defeated Liliya Shakirova via submission;
Magomed Ankalaev defeated Ion Cutelaba by knockout;
Tai Tuivasa defeated Stefan Struve by knockout;
Casey Kenney defeated Nathaniel Wood by unanimous decision of the judges;
Shavkat Rakhmonov crown Alex ‘cowboy’ by completion;
A Jung and Sam Alvey tied;
Miranda Maverick defeated Liana Jojua by technical knockout (medical interruption);
Joel Alvarez defeated Alexander Yakovlev by submission.
