He put his head in his hands before kneeling in the middle of the octagon.
Khabib Nurmagomedov was overcome with emotion as he celebrated his 29th victory in as many professional MMA fights (including 13 in the UFC).
Opposed Saturday night in Abu Dhabi to a serious client, the American Justin Gaethje, the UFC lightweight champion again offered a recital, concluded with a relentless strangulation for his opponent in the second round.
But the main thing was elsewhere for the Dhagestanais who fought for the first time since the death of his dad, carried away by the coronavirus this summer.
"It was my last fight in the UFC, impossible to come back here without my father"
Khabib Nurmagomedov
A legend of the Dhagestan wrestling, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was his father, his trainer, his guide.
Without him, Khabib does not want to continue fighting.
“It was my last fight in the UFC, impossible to come back here without my dad.
When the UFC called me for the fight with Justin, I spoke with my mom for three days.
I promised him it would be my last fight.
I keep my word.
All I want is for the UFC to designate me as the best
pound for poud
fighter
because I deserve it ”, confided after his victory the champion, considered one of the best, if not the best fighter. of MMA history.
“This is my last fight.” @ TeamKhabib pays his respects following a dominant performance at # UFC254pic.twitter.com / 5HiUvJXBJC
- UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
In October 2018, he had made short work of the Irishman Conor McGregor, the UFC superstar, confirming his status as No.1.
“Congratulations to the best fighter in UFC history.
What a career.
We will be forever grateful to have been able to spend time with you, ”tweeted Daniel Cormier, ex-heavyweight and light heavyweight champion.
A tribute among the thousands raining since Saturday evening and the announcement of the departure of the legend Nurmagomedov.
A Father to His Son.
[Narrated by @Jon_Anik] pic.twitter.com/XTA6gTMCaf
- UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
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