UFC 254: Khabib Nurmagomedov Retires Undefeated After Submitting Justin Gaethje
Undefeated Russian badass retires after choking Gaethje unconscious while boasting a broken foot.
After a soul chilling entrance in a dark silent arena, fans were treated to one of the most one sided dominations displayed in any UFC title fight, ever.
Justin Gaethje (22-3) followed through with his game plan of leg kicks and distance control for around a single minute after the action began before nearly being submitted just at the end of Round 1. He was then walked down, slammed, and choked completely unconscious in yet another failed attempt to dethrone the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0) in the main event of UFC 254.
Nurmagomedov smashed his final victim 1:34 into the second round via triangle choke submission, unifying his lightweight title with Gaethje's interim championship, before laying down his gloves in an emotional retirement speech.
What makes this last victory even more impressive and special is that Nurmagomedov was fighting for the first time without his father/head coach following his tragic passing this summer. On top of that mountain of emotions and uncertainty he had also broken his foot three weeks prior to the bout on Fight Island, but chose not to disclose that information until after the fight.
Following his victory with many tears, hugs, and praises to his team, opponent, and family, an emotional Nurmagomedov said, “This is my last fight. There’s no way I’m going to be back without my father. I spoke to my mother. She don’t know how I fight without father, but I promised it’s going to be my last fight, and if I give my word, I have to follow it”