[ad_1]
MMA lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his 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. “
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, 57, passed away after suffering complications from Covid-19 in the summer.
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.
UFC President Dana White joined the tributes and revealed at a press conference when Fight Island ended that Nurmagomedov had broken his foot in preparation for Saturday’s event.
“From what this guy has been through, we are all lucky to see him fight tonight,” White said.
“Apparently he was in the hospital. He broke his foot three weeks ago. So he has two broken toes and a broken foot bone, that’s what his corner was telling me. I never told anyone.
“He’s one of the toughest human beings on the planet and he’s the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and you seriously have to start putting him there with GOAT status (best of all time) with whoever he is. if you don’t think it’s the GOAT “.
American Gaethje, 31, is now 22-3 in his UFC career.
SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY NEWSLETTER
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
