UFC veteran Khabib Nurmagomedov has confirmed his retirement from MMA following an emotional exchange with UFC owner Dana White.
The 32-year-old’s final fight was at UFC 254 in October last year, where he defeated Justin Gethje for a straight title defense of the lightweight title – taking his career record to 29 wins and zero losses.
Nethamgomedov said after Gaethje’s victory that this would be his ‘final battle’, but in recent months speculation has intensified that the Russians will return to the Octagon.
However, The Eagles in bed on Friday aired rumors that confirmed using Instagram that he would no longer participate in the UFC.
After his retirement, Nurmagomedov paid a special tribute to White, which he attributed to the current popularity of the UFC and mixed martial arts.
“Dana White, thank you very much brother for the opportunity to prove yourself and the entire UFC team, you guys have changed many lives forever because of this game,” Nurmagomedov wrote.
“Dana – I will never forget my attitude towards you, my father will not forget and my sons will miss you. I had a real conversation with real men today.”
“Also, thank you to all the team, moderation partners and all the fans.
“I hope you accept my decision and understand me.”
White followed up with his own emotional tribute to Nurmagomedov’s career, posting the same photo that the Russian did – a selfie of the couple with their arms around each other.
“29-0 it is,” White wrote on Twitter.
“He is 100 percent officially retired. It was incredible to see you thank @TeamKhabib for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever my friends are.”
Nurmagomedov won the lightweight title in 2018 by beating Al Iaquinta for the first time, before defending the belt against both Conor McGregor and Dustin Poire.
In the game that began in 2008, eight of his 29 wins were by knockout, 11 by submission and 10 by decision.
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