Khabib retires after defending UFC Title

UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov sensationally defeated Justin Gaethje in the second round of their unification title fight at the Flash Forum Arena in Abu Dhabi.

In the highly anticipated matchup, Khabib was able to use his world class wresting skills to dominate round 2 and render Gaethje unconscious after trapping him in a triangle choke.

Extending his record to a perfect 29-0, the 32-year-old Russian was fighting for the first time since the passing of his father, Abdulmanap and the second consecutive time in the UAE.

Gaethje was fighting for the first time since defeating Tony Ferguson to win the interim UFC lightweight strap and was looking to shock arguably the top pound for pound Mixed Martial Artist in the world.

The effort got off to a good start, as he won the first round by nullifying Khabib’s superior takedown ability but it was ultimately in vain after ‘The Eagle’ showed his class, leaving Gaethje’s record at 22-3.

Both fighters showed tremendous mutual respect after the fight, as Khabib announced he would be retiring from MMA and vacating his UFC 155lb championship status.

“Today, I want to say this was my last fight. Ain’t no way I’m going to come here without my father. After what happened with my father, when the UFC called me I talked with my mother for three days. She doesn’t me to go and fight without my father. But I promise her it’s going to be my last fight. And if I keep my word, I have to follow this”

Khabib Nurmagomedov

It is now looking likely that Conor McGregor’s clash with Dustin Poirier will be for the vacant UFC lightweight belt, whist the 31-year-old Gaethje will definitely be looking for another opportunity.

Khabib leaves behind a legacy of being one of the greatest grapplers to ever enter the Octagon, and one of the most dominant and brutal fighters that the sport has seen in recent times.