Khabib Nurmagomedov broke down in tears after moving to 29-0 with victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on Saturday.The UFC lightweight champion, 32, then stunned fans by announcing his retirement.Khabib, arguably the greatest UFC fighter of all time, forced Gaethje to tap out with a triangle choke finish."This is my last fight," he confirmed after the fight. "There's no way I'm going to come here without my father."When the UFC called me about Justin I talked with my mother for three days. She doesn't want me to go fight without my father but I promised her this was going to be my last fight, and if I give my word, I have to follow this."
A visible emotional Khabib was seen wiping away tears as he left the Octagon for what appears to be the final time.
His 29th and final victory of his illustrious career comes two years after he famously defeated Conor McGregor in Las Vegas.
McGregor, whose previous fight was against Donald Cerrone back in January, was one of the first stars to react to Khabib’s victory and subsequent retirement via social media.
The Irishman tweeted: “Good performance @TeamKhabib. I will carry on.
“Respect and condolences on your father again also. To you and family. Yours sincerely, The McGregors.”
A touch of class there from McGregor.
The two UFC stars haven’t always seen eye to eye but this message of support may go some way towards rebuilding bridges between them.