Khabib Nurmagomedov announces his retirement from the sport after defeating Justin Gaethje in UFC 254. He held an undefeated record of 29-0.
Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov broke into tears immediately after winning the fight against the interim champion Justin Gaethje. He announced his retirement from UFC, being undefeated throughout his professional MMA career, citing his father’s loss a few months ago.
The last fight
Everyone is flooded with emotions due to Khabib’s announcement. Although, no one was surprised with the result. He won only in the second round via submission with a triangle choke.
In the post-match interview, Khabib thanked God for everything. He further thanked his coach and his team, and after that, he also thanked the UFC President Dana White. Khabib didn’t forget to mention Joe Silva, who gave him an opportunity in the UFC.
Khabib says that he will not fight without his father, who died in July 2020. He said that he had promised her mother that this would be his last fight without his father, and will not fight again.
He then thanked Gaethje for helping him out in 2016. Nurmagomedov also advised him and all of us to be close to our parents. A beautiful message indeed by the greatest pound-to-pound fighter of all time!
Khabib: the “Humble” champion
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s down-to-earth nature is what describes him the best. He is not only a champion inside the cage but also outside of it. His modesty and behavior towards his opponents, fans, and rivals are appreciable.
Khabib wears his identity proudly in a world where Islamophobia is something that is not hidden. He is an inspiration and idol for millions of Muslims and Russians around the world. He is the first-ever Muslim to win a UFC title. Further, he is the most followed Russian celebrity on Instagram.
He says that he wants to be “free.”
Last year, @TeamKhabib told @bokamotoESPN he just wanted to be free.
Now, The Eagle can fly 🦅 pic.twitter.com/PihPRoSbBJ
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 25, 2020
The response
Khabib’s announcement didn’t only affect his fans but also his opponents.
Good performance @TeamKhabib.
I will carry on.
Respect and condolences on your father again also. To you and family.
Yours sincerely, The McGregors.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 24, 2020
His performances were never doubtful.
UFC President Dana White and UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby (who very rarely tweets) both declare Khabib Nurmagomedov the GOAT 🐐 #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/g05eOnDY2f
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) October 25, 2020
BT Sport released an emotional video of his journey with his father. The video leaves everyone, including the UFC President Dana White, in tears.
It is no surprise that Khabib has a significant impact on many people. Many sports superstars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Novak Djokovic, have paid their respect towards Khabib Nurmagomedov.
.@Cristiano supporting Khabib 👊 pic.twitter.com/WxmEmUV5Vb
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) October 24, 2020
We are expecting his name to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame soon. Although, it is no doubt that he deserved it more than anyone.
However, for many of us, including UFC President Dana White, he is already the greatest of all time. The number one pound-to-pound fighter in the world.
Image courtesy of UFC – Ultimate Fighting Championship/YouTube Screenshot