Khabib Nurmagomedov has been installed as the UFC's pound-for-pound No.1 following his dominant victory over Justin Gaethje.
Nurmagomedov retained his lightweight world title in Abu Dhabi before announcing his retirement in the Octagon.
He made one final demand of the UFC - that they name him the best fighter in the world - and the promotion has duly delivered.
Upon receiving the news, Nurmagomedov said: "It was the work of my life, I never got anything easy, and nothing was given to me because I’m a nice guy.
"Hard work, hope for Allah and patience, these three ingredients help me to get successful, and of course, control and advice from my father, who invested in me a lot of time and work."
Nurmagomedov retires with a record of 29-0 having submitted Gaethje, Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor in his final three fights.
He revealed on Saturday that he had promised his mother he would not continue to fight without his father who passed away earlier this year after contracting Covid-19.
Nurmagomedov said: "Today I want to say this is my last fight. No way am I coming here without my father. When the UFC came to me about Justin I spoke with my mother for three days. She didn't want me to fight without my father and I said this is my last fight and I have given her my word.
"There is only one thing I want from the UFC, to put me as the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, the greatest in the world. I think I deserve it. I want to say thank you Dana [and the] Fertita brothers.
"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."
McGregor and Poirier are now likely to fight for the vacant belt when they clash in a rematch on January 23.
