
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 04: UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks to UFC president Dana White during the UFC 229 Press Conference inside The Park Theater at Park MGM on October 4, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 04: UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks to UFC president Dana White during the UFC 229 Press Conference inside The Park Theater at Park MGM on October 4, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, is officially retired from the sport. The undefeated Dagestani fighter had a legendary career and walked away with a perfect record. After a meeting with UFC President Dana White, both ‘The Eagle’, and the UFC confirmed the decision on their part.
In his recent posts, Nurmagomedov thanked White and the UFC as they gave him the opportunity to fight for the promotion. “It was a good dinner with some great people. (Dana White) thank you so much brother and the entire (UFC) team for the opportunity to prove myself, you guys have changed many live forever because of this sport 👊,” wrote Nurmagomedov.
“Dana – I’ll never forget your attitude towards me, my father did not forget and my sons will remember you. Today there was a real conversation between real men. Also thank you to all team, sparing partners and all fans. I hope you will accept my decision and understand me,” he added.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The promotion also acknowledged their great former champion on social media after his retirement was official.
Nurmagomedov last fought at UFC 254 against Justin Gaethje as he made a third successful defense of his belt. ‘The Eagle’ lost his father in 2020 due to coronavirus and was visibly upset as he started crying inside the Octagon after securing his twenty-ninth win. Subsequently, the emotional Russian announced that he would not compete anymore.
White was hopeful of luring the champion back to the Octagon at least one more time. However, those possibilities have been put to bed once in for all. Now that decision is official, the UFC is looking to move on with the lightweight championship. Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira will fight for the vacant belt at UFC 262.
Also Read: WATCH: When Daniel Cormier Etched His Name in UFC History
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Is Khabib Nurmagomedov the greatest of all time?
‘The Eagle‘ will be remembered as one of the best fighters to ever grace the Octagon. His dominance over the years and the way he mauled his opponents, speak for that. The Russian has certainly claimed his place among the greatest fighters of all time, with an unbelievable record of 29-o under his belt.

via Getty
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 25: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia announces his retirement in the Octagon after his victory over Justin Gaethje in their lightweight title bout during the UFC 254 event on October 25, 2020 on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Fans will miss his dominant presence inside the Octagon for sure. They believed the Dagestani would compete at least one more time to achieve his father’s dream of 30-0. However, that won’t be the case, and his final act as an active fighter will be his submission of ‘The Highlight’.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What did you make of Nurmagomedov’s recent announcement? Let us know.
Also Read: Georges St- Pierre- Is He the Greatest Fighter of All Times?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT