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Mixed martial arts (MMA) champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP)
PARIS, France – MMA lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his shocking retirement from the sport on Saturday after revealing that he “promised his mother” that his clash with Justin Gaethje would be his last fight.
The Russian, who won by TKO in the second round, was fighting for the first time since the deaths of his father and coach Abdulmanap in July.
“I am the undisputed and undefeated champion of the UFC with a record of 13-0 (in the UFC) and 29-0 in my entire professional MMA career,” he said after his victory in Abu Dhabi.
“Today I want to say that this is my last fight. There is no way I am coming here without my father. When the UFC told me about Justin, I spoke with my mother for three days.
“She didn’t want me to fight without my father and I told her this is my last fight, and I have given her my word.
He added: “Thank you very much Justin. I know you’re great, I know how you take care of your people. Be close to your parents, because you never know what is going to happen tomorrow. Thanks coach, thanks guys. Today is my last fight in the UFC.
“It was my father’s dream. Justin and Conor (McGregor) will fight in January, I’ve strangled them both, I’m not interested in this. “
Longtime rival McGregor of Ireland, who lost to Nurmagomedov in 2018, was among the first to congratulate the 32-year-old Russian on his career.
“I will move on. Respect and condolences to your father again too. For you and your family. Sincerely, The McGregors, ”he tweeted.
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