MMA world lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has retired from the sport following a second-round submission win over Justin Gaethje, to fulfil a promise to his mother.
Khabib left his gloves in the centre of the octagon after overpowering his American opponent via a triangle choke at 1:34 of round 2 at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Forum.
“I want to say Alhamdulillah, God gives me everything,” Nurmagomedov told commentator Jon Anik, as he began his post-fight interview struggling to remove his gloves.
He was fighting for the first time since the death of his father Abdulmanap, who was also his coach, in July.
After the demise of Abdulmanap from complications caused by COVID-19 at the age of 57, many questioned if Khabib would have the heart for the fight against Gaethje.
His father had schooled him in combat sports from an early age and was in his corner in Abu Dhabi in September last year when Khabib choked out Dustin Poirier, on that occasion using a rear-naked choke in another successful title defence.
“Thank you for these guys, these guys with me, been with my father for more than 10 years. All my team, AKA with coach Javier, I love him so much, all my team,” he said.
“Today, I want to say, this was my last fight. No way am I going to come here without my father. It was the first time, after what happened with my father when UFC called me about Justin. I talked with my mother for three days, she didn’t want that I go fight without my father. I promised her, it’s going to be my last fight, and if I give my word, I have to follow this. It was my last fight here.”
The 32-year old has 13 wins in eight years and a professional record featuring eight knockouts and 11 submission wins in his 29 victories.
