UFC ace fighter and MMA world lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his shock retirement from the sport on Saturday, following his title defence at UFC 254. The 32-year-old stated that he had ‘promised his mother’ that his bout with Justin Gaethje would be his last fight.

The Russian, who won his fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on Saturday, maintained his perfect 13-0 record in the tournament, and was competing for the first time since the death of his father and coach Abdulmanap in July.

After his victory UFC head Dana White called him one of the toughest human beings on the planet.

White said, “He is one of the toughest human beings on the planet and he’s the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and, seriously, you have to start putting him up there with GOAT (greatest of all time) status with whoever else you think is the GOAT.”

Following his victory, the 32-year-old said, “I’m the UFC undisputed, undefeated champion with a 13-0 record (in UFC), and 29-0 in all of my pro MMA career.”

Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight title for the third time on fight island and emerged victorious in the second round against Gaethje.

Having won his fight via choke hold, the MMA champion said, “Today I want to say this is my last fight. No way am I coming here without my father. When UFC came to me about Justin I spoke with my mother for three days. She didn’t want me to fight without father and I said this is my last fight – and I have given her my word.”

Nurmagomedov lost his father in July following complications from COVID-19.

Talking about his challenger, the UFC lightweight champion, added, “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.”

Recalling his father, the Russian added, “It was my father’s dream. Justin and Conor (McGregor) will fight in January, I have choked both out, I am not interested in this.”

Following his shock retirement, long time rival Connor McGregor congratulated the champion on his career. 

“I will carry on. Respect and condolences on your father again also. To you and family. Yours sincerely, The McGregors,” he tweeted.

UFC president Dana White also congratulated Nurmagomedov following his fight and revealed the champion had broken his foot in the build up to Saturday’s event in Dubai.