Nurmagomedov says he’s done after beating Gaethje

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Unbeaten lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from MMA after stopping Justin Gaethje with a triangle choke in the second round Saturday at UFC 254 on Fight Island.

Nurmagomedov (29-0) made the announcement immediately after he impressively finished his first fight since the death of his father and lifelong coach in July. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov had a heart problem exacerbated by COVID-19, and his son was overcome by tears in the cage moments after choking Gaethje unconscious 1:34 into the second round of his third UFC title defense.

“This is my last fight,” Nurmagomedov said. “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.”

Nurmagomedov, 32, was active with strikes and with grappling against Gaethje (22-3), who had knocked out four consecutive elite opponents while winning the interim lightweight title.

After spending the first round largely trading punches and kicks with the aggressive Gaethje, Nurmagomedov used his unparalleled wrestling skills to take down Gaethje and then worked into position for the finishing choke.

Gaethje appeared to tap out at least twice before the referee noticed and stopped the bout, by which time Gaethje was unconscious. He bounced up quickly and shared a moment of mutual respect with the dominant Russian champion.

“I know he was in a bad spot, but whether he was or not, he did what he needed to do,” Gaethje said. “I know his father is so proud.”

Josh Hedges Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Khabib Nurmagomedov is the winner in his lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje in UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.