Khabib Nurmagomedov enters conversation of MMA's greatest of all time after UFC 254 win and retirement Featured

It's rare for any fighter to retire while still the recognized world champion of a weight class. But to retire as an undefeated champion is unheard of. That unprecedented feat was accomplished on Saturday by UFC lightweight titleholder Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight championship for a third time on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi with a submission of Justin Gaethje in the second round of UFC 254. It was a fight against the man many believed to be his toughest challenge. The victory ran his record as a professional to 29-0.
Nurmagomedov's father died earlier in the year due to complications from COVID-19. An emotional champion announced after the fight that it would be his final trip to the Octagon.

"Today, I want to say, this was my last fight," Nurmagomedov said. "No way am I going to come here without my father. It was first time, after what happened with my father, when UFC called me about Justin. I talk with my mother three days, she don't want that I go fight without father. I promised her, it's going to be my last fight, and if I give my word, I have to follow this. It was my last fight here."

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