UFC lightweight champion and GOAT Khabib Nurmagomedov retired at 29-0, after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on October 24, 2020, citing a promise he made to his mother. UFC president Dana White had kept “The Eagle” as champion, and there are multiple signs that that was not just wishful thinking. Nurmagomedov remained in the USADA testing pool, and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, in November posted a message on Twitter – “30-0” – a reference on Khabib’s deceased father and coach Abdulamanap’s plan to retire with that record.
Nurmagomedov appeared in person at UFC 257 with the explicit plan that he would watch the event and if he saw a worthy challenger and fight once more Despite Dustin Poirier defeating Conor McGregor in the main event, and Michael Chandler having an epic league debut in the co-main, the champ saw nothing sufficiently inspiring. Nurmagomedov met White again, and with former UFC co-wner Lorenzo Fertitta, but now “The Eagle” is officially retired.
“29-0 it is, tweeted White. “He is 100 percent officially retired. It was incredible to watch you work Khabib. Thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend.”
https://twitter.com/danawhite/status/1372754396673544193
Nurmagomedov too posted a message on his social network.
“It was a good dinner with some great people,” he wrote. “Dana White thank you so much brother and the entire UFC team for the opportunity to prove myself, you guys have changed many live forever because of this sport. Dana, I’ll never forget your attitude towards me, my father did not forget and my sons will remember you. Today there was a real conversation between real men. Also thank you to all team, sparing partners and all fans.”
So with Nurmagomedov not just MMA retired, but retired, the UFC now plans to have Chandler and Charles Oliveira fight for the vacant lightweight title, in the main event of UFC 262 on May 15.
