Khabib Nurmagomedov RETIRES from MMA after incredible performance and win over Justin Gaethje to retain lightweight title as he leaves sport as undefeated great having promised mother he would no longer fight without late father Abdulmanap by his side
- Khabib Nurmagomedov has shocked the UFC world by confirming he will now officially retire from the sport
- The UFC superstar pulled off a second round victory over Justin Gaethje to keep his unbeaten record intact
- Khabib said he is now unwilling to return to UFC without his late father Abdulmanap by his side
- Abdulmanap died in July at the age of 57 following health complications caused by coronavirus
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Khabib Nurmagomedov has announced his shock retirement from UFC after defending his immaculate record against Justin Gaethje.
Making a speech following his second round victory, Khabib announced the news live to the cameras.
The 32-year-old was quite to thank his team but insisted he would not be returning to the UFC without his late father Abdulmanap by his side, following his passing in July after health complications caused by coronavirus.
He was taken to hospital in Moscow in May, after coronavirus symptoms exacerbated an existing heart condition, with his passing understood to have deeply affected Khabib. He then gave his word to his mother that the next fight he took in the octagon would be his last.
The unbeaten star said in the immediate aftermath of his victory over Gaethje: ‘Thank you to these guys with me, with my father more than 10 years. Coach Jav I love him so much. All my team. Thank you.
After retaining his flawless record Khabib Nurmagomedov has now announced he is finished with UFC and will retire
‘Today I want to say this is my last fight. No way am I coming here without my father. When UFC comes to me about Justin I spoke with my mother for three days.
‘She didn’t want me to fight without father. And I said this is my last fight and I have given her my word.
‘Thank you so much Justin. I know you are great, I know how you take care of your people. Be close with your parents, because you never know what is going to happen tomorrow. Thank you coach, thank you guys. Today is my last fight in the UFC.
‘It was my father’s dream. Justin and Conor will fight in January, I have choked both out, I am not interested in this.’
more to follow