UFC Boxer Khabib Nurmagomedov extended his perfect professional record as he retained his lightweight title in Abu Dhabi and then announced his retirement.
The 32-year-old defeated interim champion Justin Gaethje with a second-round triangle choke submission to claim his 29th victory and unify the 155lb title.
Nurmagomedov says he had honoured the memory of his father, coach and mentor Abdul-manap, who died in July following complications arising from Covid-19.
BBC News reports that despite many believing Nurmagomedov would chase his 30th professional win before contemplating retirement, the emotional champion asked his team-mates to cut his gloves off before quitting.
He says it was his last fight and there is no way that he is attending the fights without his father.
He adds this is the first time he fought without his father on the side ring and when the UFC called him about fighting Justin, he discussed it with his mother for three days.
The Russian boxer says his mother did not want him to fight without his father but he promised her that this would be his last fight.
[Source: BBC]
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