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‘My Sons Will Remember You’- Khabib Nurmagomedov Confirms UFC Exit and Thanks Dana White and Fans

Published 03/19/2021, 2:23 AM EDT

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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.

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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.

Is Khabib Nurmagomedov the greatest of all time?

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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.

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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’.

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Written by:

Apratim Banerjee

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Apratim Banerjee is an MMA author for EssentiallySports and has been writing professionally for almost a year. Before his current gig, Apratim worked as a UFC writer for Sportskeeda. A long-time MMA fan, Apratim has developed a critical eye for the sport that has helped him transfer his vast knowledge to his copies and give hardcore and casual readers a detailed insight into the fights and fighters.
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