In MMA, not many fighters tend to go out on top, but that’s exactly what Khabib Nurmagomedov plans to do after calling time on his career following Saturday’s victory over Justin Gaethje.
The lightweight king was supposed to face his biggest test to date in Gaethje, but the Russian steamrolled his American opponent, tapping him out with a triangle choke midway through the second round in what turned out to be a truly one-sided affair.
The win saw Khabib take his professional MMA record to an incredible 29-0, and after the Dagestani continually talked about retiring after his 30th victory before the bout, many expected him to take to the mic to call out ex-UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre whom he has registered a strong interest in facing in the past.
Given the circumstances, perhaps his retirement shouldn’t come as such a surprise. After the passing of Khabib’s father earlier this year, there has been some uncertainty about his future. His Dad acted as not only his coach but his mentor – a truly pivotal figure who helped guide his son along the perilous journey to UFC gold. Without his father’s presence, Khabib said he has no desire to continue and announced his fighting days are done, before removing his gloves and placing them on the canvas to signify the end of his time in the Octagon.
It’s rare to see a fighter leave the sport of MMA at the top of his game. Perhaps we should celebrate seeing one of the sport’s greatest ever competitors walking away at the height of his glory, although after such a perfect performance from a man who’s still relatively young at 32 years of age, if we never see “The Eagle” compete again we could well be left with a feeling of “what if?”
The announcement appears to be the final nail in the coffin for the Khabib vs Tony Ferguson. In the end, this fight just wasn’t meant to be, falling apart an incredible five times due to injuries and freak accidents.
The lightweight title will now become vacant, which will spark scramble of top contenders all vying for the belt. Among them are the aforementioned Gaethje and Ferguson, along with the newly-signed former Bellator champion Michael Chandler, as well as for Khabib victim Conor McGregor.
Whether or not we see Nurmagomedov in the cage again remains to be seen, but if this is the last time he graces the Octagon he leaves the sport as one of the most fearsome competitors of all-time.