Khabib Nurmagomedov has proven just how much of a fighter he is after his showdown with Justin Gaethje at UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi.
The fight, which many people predicted was going to prove challenging to Nurmagomedov, turned out to be one of his fastest fights, securing his victory under 2 minutes in the second round, through submission as he forced Gaethje to tap out. Nurmagomedov put up an impressive show that earned him a $50,000 bonus for “Performance of the Night.”
The first round opened with both fighters wanting to score a kick early, although Gaethje was safe out of arm’s reach. Gaethje fired a low kick and tried to throw in a second one but missed, but is successful with a third kick.
Both fighters traded punches after that, although none of them seemed to get tired by it. Nurmagomedov launched an uppercut that shook Gaethje. The Russian started to pick up the pace and was now in control of the fight, using mostly his knee. Nurmagomedov was also in search of a takedown and Gaethje was wise to keep a safe distance. But unfortunately, that was not enough to save him as Nurmagomedov landed a takedown just before the round ended, and got on top. Gaethje was saved by the bell before Nurmagomedov could do any damage.
Nurmagomedov began the second round with kicks till he was blocked with a hard left. Gaethje followed that with a kick that seemed to upset the other man. Nurmagomedov then went for a takedown and in a few seconds, he locked Gaethje in a triangle choke. The Eagle maintained the pressure of the choke and Gaethje could do nothing to resist it, except tap out. However, the referee failed to notice Gaethje’s initial tap, leaving him to go unconscious before coming to. The fight was stopped at 1 minute 34 seconds and Nurmagomedov was declared the winner.
It was a tremendous win for Nurmagomedov who has now extended his win to 29 with no losses. Out of that 29, he won 13 in the UFC. But it seems that is the last we would see of him as he announced his retirement just after the fight. He said, “Today I want to say this was my last fight. No way I’m going to come here without my father. It was first time after what happened with my father, when UFC called me about Justin, I talk with my mother three days. She doesn’t want me to go fight without my father but I promised her it was going to be my last fight. If I give my word, I have to follow this. It was my last fight here.”
Nurmagomedov’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, died in July due to COVID-19 complications and since then, Khabib has never been the same. His father has always been by his side and has helped push him to greater heights and fighting without his presence was not just the same for the Russian.
Written by: Leon Osamor
