Khabib Nurmagomedov has finally convinced Uana President Dana White that his fighting career is over.
Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) announced for the first time that he would retire from the MMA competition after his lightweight title defense against Justin Gaethje in October last year at UFC 254. Referring to the fall of death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap, also as a promise to his mother, ‘The Eagle’ declared that he was finished.
However, the announcement did not convince everyone. White insisted that Nurmagomedov should continue to fight, and in the months that followed made his speech at meetings, through the media and more. In the end, however, it was in vain.
White took to social media on Thursday and, after what appears to be another meeting with Nurmagomedov, said the undefeated Dagestani had been ‘officially retired’.
White shared the news in a caption with a photo with Nurmagomedov (via Twitter):
29-0 is it.
He is officially retired. It was amazing to see how you work @ TeamKhabib thanks for EVERYTHING and enjoy everything next is my friend. pic.twitter.com/QeoSP12zw2
– danawhite (@danawhite) 19 March 2021
29-0 is it.
He is officially retired. It was amazing to see how you work @TeamKhabib thanks for EVERYTHING and enjoy everything next is my friend.
In an Instagram post of his own, Nurmagomedov thanked the UFC and said “a real conversation between real men” took place between him and White.
Khabib retires undefeated at 29-0 in his MMA career, which includes 13 UFC fights. His run of perfection includes notable victories over Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Rafael dos Anjos, Edson Barboza and Al Iaquinta, whom he defeated to secure the vacant title in April 2018 at UFC 223.
Shortly after White’s announcement, MMA Junkie confirmed that the UFC will continue a lightweight title fight between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira, which will headline UFC 262 on May 15.