Khabib Nurmagomedov announced on Saturday that, after defeating Justin Gaethje, he had performed the last fight of his professional Ultimate Fighting Championship career.
The main fight of the UFC 254 tournament, which took place in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, ended with a victory by the Russian through the use of a rear-naked chokehold in the second round.
"God gave me everything. These guys are with me. Today was my last fight," Nurmagomedov said after the fight, adding that he was not going to fight without his father, who died of COVID-19 complications this year.
A king, now and always. pic.twitter.com/t2W2KgyoCI
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
He thanked “all Russian-speaking” fans, reminding them to take care of their parents.
“I have only one parent left - this is my mother. I would like to devote more time to her,” he said.
This one was for Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZZdywrlE5e
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
The 32-year-old Nurmagomedov, who has won 29 victories in the mixed martial arts, of which 13 were in the UFC, asked the administration of the UFC to put him in first place in the new ranking of top fighters which will be released on Tuesday, stating: “I deserve it”.
“The only thing I want to ask the UFC management: put me next week in first place in the ranking,”. Nurmagomedov said. “I deserve it.”
A legacy like no other! Thank you @TeamKhabib #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/GGqpGjJluR
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov is currently in second place in the UFC rating of top fighters.
