Khabib Nurmagomedov managed to beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday (25/10).
Both fighters appeared carefully at the beginning of the first round. Only 30 seconds later, the two fought back punches.
Gaethje’s kick hits Khabib’s leg. Khabib tries to make a throw but is thwarted by Gaethje.
Khabib kicked using the knee which hit Gaethje’s head. Khabib continued to dominate after that moment and put pressure on Gaethje.
Gaethje made a combination of punches and kicks that could make Khabib falter.
Khabib ambushed Gaethje near the end of the first round. Khabib’s attempts to lock up Gaethje were stopped by the bell at the end of the first round.
In the second round, the two fighters returned a punch. However, Khabib was then able to knock Gaethje down and lock Gaethje.
Not long after, Gaethje was helpless and the referee decided to stop the match with a technical submission victory for Khabib. Khabib also managed to defend the world lightweight title.
Khabib Nurmagomedov decided to retire after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
Khabib took this decision because he felt it was impossible to fight without his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Abdulmanap died of heart disease and complications with the corona virus on July 3, 2020.
“This is my last fight. There’s no way I could come here without my father. When the UFC called me with Justin [Gaethje], I talked to my mother for three days,” Khabib said after the match.
“I promised her this would be my last fight. I have to keep my promise. This is the last fight,” he continued.
It did not take Conor McGregor long to comment on the retirement decision announced by Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor immediately commented a few minutes after Khabib declared his retirement from the UFC. In his Twitter account, McGregor shows respect for his rival.
“Nice performance Khabib. Respect and sorrow for the loss of your father, for you and for your family. With respect, McGregor,” wrote McGregor.
McGregor and Khabib were involved in a heated dispute ahead of UFC 229 in 2018. It was then that McGregor heated up the atmosphere of the battle by taunting Khabib and his family.
Khabib was furious over this and considered the duel against McGregor more than just an ordinary fight. When he succeeded in ensuring victory through submission, Khabib was still very emotional towards McGregor.
Khabib even jumped over the octagon fence to attack Dillon Danis after the match so that a big riot was created because Khabib’s partner also entered the octagon to beat McGregor.
When Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov died, McGregor also had time to convey his condolences to Khabib via his Twitter account.
Khabib himself has repeatedly emphasized that he will not rematch McGregor’s opponent, regardless of the amount of money he is offered. Khabib felt that he had won a landslide victory over McGregor so there was no need for proof.
Not only that, Khabib also stated that he no longer wanted to deal with people like McGregor.
