Khabib Nurmagomedov extended his perfect professional record by retaining his lightweight title at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi, then announced his retirement.
Russian Nurmagomedov, 32, defeated interim champion Justin Gaethje with a triangle submission in the second round to claim a 29th win and unify the 155-pound title.
Nurmagomedov said he had honored the memory of his father, coach and mentor Abdulmanap, who died in July following complications stemming from Covid-19.
Despite many believing Nurmagomedov would pursue his 30th professional victory before contemplating retirement, the excited champion asked his teammates to cut off his gloves before resigning.
“It was my last fight. There’s no way I’m going to come here without my father, ”she said. “It was the first time after what happened with my father, when the UFC called me about (fighting) with Justin, I spoke with my mother for three days.
“She didn’t want me to fight without my father, but I promised her it would be my last fight, and if I give her my word, I have to continue this. It was my last fight here.
“I only know one thing I want from the UFC: On Tuesday, you have to make me the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world because I deserve it.
“UFC UFC lightweight champion, 13-0, 13 in UFC, 29 in my professional MMA career. I think I deserve it “.
ALSO READ: Khabib vs Gaethje UFC 254 Live: The 10 most unknown facts about Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje fight tonite
