If he wasn’t already, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is now officially retired.
UFC president Dana White continuously tried to talk him out of it, but Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) – who hung up his gloves after submitting Justin Gaethje last October at UFC 254 – stood firm in his decision, which White finally accepted after a meeting Thursday night in Las Vegas.
The passing of Nurmagomedov’s father, coach and mentor, Abdulmanap, hit him hard, and “The Eagle” promised his mother that he would no longer compete without his father in his corner.
White and Nurmagomedov met on multiple occasions in the past several months to discuss his future, but it appears that their Thursday meeting was conclusive as White declared Nurmagomedov “officially retired,”, lauding him for a remarkable career.
Nurmagomedov later took to Instagram to share some thoughts, thanking White, the UFC and those around him for being a part of his journey.
It was a good dinner with some great people.
@danawhite thank you so much brother and the entire @ufc team for the opportunity to prove myself, you guys have changed many live forever because of this sport 👊Dana – I’ll never forget your attitude towards me, my father did not forget and my sons will remember you.
Today there was a real conversation between real men.Also thank you to all team, sparing partners and all fans.
I hope you will accept my decision and understand me.
In 29 professional fights, Nurmagomedov never lost. He exited the sport in his best form with three straight dominant submission wins over Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Gaethje.
In Nurmagomedov’s absence, the lightweight division will move forward and crown a new champion when Charles Oliveira takes on Michael Chandler on May 15 in the main event of UFC 262.
