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Khabib Nurmagomedov turned in a career-high performance on Saturday with a second-round submission of Justin Gaethje that unified the UFC lightweight title and extended his unbeaten streak to 29-0.
Then Nurmagomedov shocked everyone by putting down his gloves and announcing his retirement after breaking down in tears with the 29th win of his career.
Fighting back emotion, Nurmagomedov explained his decision to retire as a way to honor his mother after the unexpected death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, from COVID-19 earlier this year.
The announcement took the MMA world by surprise, and here’s how fighters reacted
Good performance @TeamKhabib.
I will carry on.
Respect and condolences on your father again also. To you and family.
Yours sincerely, The McGregors.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 24, 2020
I want to congratulate Khabib for an outstanding career. I know he made his father along with millions of fans around the world incredibly proud today. May God continue to bless him on his journey.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020
Until I take that heavily crown, I grant you the spot. Enjoy Champ
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020
Getting emotional watching this. Wow. Khabib respecting his mother and following through with his word. What a man. Deffo a top 5 goat of MMA. Happy retirement. pic.twitter.com/dkqOlcS3OR
— D (@darrentill2) October 24, 2020
Man I’m tearing up .Khabib champ
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 24, 2020
Retire on top! You’re the champ! Thank you for the new style in mma #UFC254
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) October 24, 2020
He’s definitely #1 pound for pound!! Congratulations on a great career #UFC254
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) October 24, 2020
I’m 100% behind giving @TeamKhabib the #1 P4P ranking! Absolutely earned! Congrats on an AMAZING career. You are an inspiration. Much love. #UFC254
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) October 24, 2020
Congrats on the fight @TeamKhabib If that’s your career, it’s a shame u didn’t get to fight someone coming forward and isn’t afraid to wrestle. Congrats I’ll be here when u return
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) October 24, 2020
155ers are celebrating right now . 31 year old , 29-0 goat Khabib retiring !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) October 24, 2020
. @TeamKhabib is the undisputed GOAT!!! Hands down the best to ever do it! The way he carried himself in and out of the cage . Congrats on a great career!!! I’m sure your father is smiling down on you
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) October 24, 2020
One of the most respectful and dominant fighters in MMA history. Deserves all our admiration for what he did in the cage and for how he values his family. Once again condolences for your father and all the best in retirement @TeamKhabib. #UFC254
— Patricky Freire (@PatrickyPitbull) October 24, 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov is MMA GOAT . 29-0 , beat all comers in their prime , barely lost a round , always active , no PEDs failed tests. Enjoy your retirement . CLASS
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) October 24, 2020