WATCH: Khabib Nurmagomedov Chokes Out Justin Gaethje, Announces Retirement
The big lightweight title unification bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje has wrapped up.
Nurmagomedov and Gaethje collided in the main event of UFC 254. Going into the fight, Nurmagomedov was the main UFC Lightweight Champion, while Gaethje held interim gold. “The Eagle” vs. “The Highlight” took place inside the Flash Forum on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
This was Nurmagomedov’s first bout since September 2019 when he submitted Dustin Poirier. “The Eagle” was scheduled to defend the 155-pound gold against Tony Ferguson back in May but travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to that plan. Gaethje ended up stopping Ferguson in the fifth round via TKO to capture the interim gold.
Nurmagomedov was relentless with his pressure in the opening round. He found a home for the jab and threw running knee strikes. Gaethje was able to land some leg kicks. Nurmagomedov scored a takedown and went for a submission late in the first round.
In the second round, Nurmagomedov took over with a takedown. “The Eagle” immediately found himself in the full mount position. Nurmagomedov transitioned to a triangle choke. Gaethje tapped but he ended up going to sleep because referee Jason Herzog missed the tap.
After the fight, Nurmagomedov took off his gloves and announced his retirement. He leaves the sport of MMA with a pro record of 29-0.
Here are highlights of Nurmagomedov’s finish over Gaethje.
After trading on the feet @TeamKhabib secures the first takedown! #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/74GGVwFg1s
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020
"This is my last fight."@TeamKhabib pays his respects following a dominant performance at #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/5HiUvJXBJC
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020