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Khabib Nurmagomedov extended his perfect professional record as he retained his lightweight title at UFC 254, 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 here without my father,” he said. “It was the first time after what happened with my father, when the UFC called me about (fighting) Justin, I spoke with my mother for three days.
“She didn’t want me to fight without my father, but I promised her that it would be my last fight, and if I give her my word, I must continue this. It was my last fight here.
“I only know one thing I want from the UFC: Tuesday, you guys have to put me on 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.”
UFC 254, which marked the final event of the sport’s second season on Yas Island, saw the return of Nurmagomedov, who was unable to defend his title earlier this year due to Covid-19 travel restrictions in Russia.
At the time, Nurmagomedov was supposed to face rival Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, but Ferguson faced Gaethje and was stopped in the fifth round when ‘The Highlight’ claimed the interim title and was placed at the number one contender spot.
Gaethje was expected to present trouble for Nurmagomedov, and his collegiate wrestling experience was seen as a possible antidote to the champion’s stifling fighting style.
But Nurmagomedov dominated the first round with his high-pressure approach, then subdued Gaethje in the second.
Nurmagomedov added Gaethje’s name to a list of defeated opponents that also includes Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, Al Iaquinta and Edson Barboza.
Nurmagomedov thanked Gaethje, who had arranged for his parents to fly internationally for the first time in their lives to see him fight for the title, and paid tribute to a man who four years ago helped him gain weight as he struggled to lose the final few pounds for his short-term fight with Darrell Horcher.
“Thank you very much Justin. 2016 I remember when I lost weight, you helped me a lot. Thank you bro,” Nurmagomedov said.
“I know you are a great man. I know how you take care of your close people. I know many things about you.
“Be close to your people, because you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow. You never know.”
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