Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night and promptly announced his retirement from MMA.
The 32-year-old retires undefeated - 29-0 - and also as undisputed UFC lightweight champion.
His father, Abdulmanap, died during the summer and following discussions with his mother, Nurmagomedov decided to hang up his gloves.
"Today I want to say this was my last fight," he said.
"No way I’m 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 doesn’t want me to go fight without my father but I promised her it was going to be my last fight.
"If I give my word, I have to follow this. It was my last fight here.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov put Justin Gaethje to sleep with his triangle choke. 😳
(🎥: @espnmma) pic.twitter.com/5b9BxYyhsj— theScore (@theScore) October 24, 2020
Nurmagomedov submitted Gaethje with a triangle choke in the second round. Post-fight, UFC president Dana White disclosed that the Dagestani had fought three weeks after breaking his foot.
"What this guy’s been through, we’re all lucky we got to see him fight tonight," said White.
"I’m hearing rumors of other things that I didn’t know about that you guys will hear about when he comes out later I’m sure.
"Apparently, he was in the hospital, he broke his foot. Three weeks ago. So he has two broken toes and a bone in his foot that’s broken or something like that. That’s what his corner was telling me. Never told anybody, walking around. I mean he is one of the toughest human beings on the planet."
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