Khabib Nurmagomedov produced a masterclass last night by somehow reversing a brutal leg kick from Justin Gaethje into a successful submission which then won him the fight.Fans all across the world last night watched on from their respective living rooms, sofas and armchairs to witness one of the greatest fighters of all time grace the cage for likely the last time ever.Khabib captured what looks to be his final victory in the Octagon at ‘Fight Island’ last night thanks to a beautiful reversal of what looked to be a picture-perfect leg kick, executed by Gaethje, into a devastating choke-hold that would see the contender concede defeat via submission.Nurmagomedov stretched his pro-fight record to an unprecedented 29-0 last night, a feat that has not been reached by any other top-level fighter before him.Post-fight saw an emotional Khabib stake his claim as the undisputed pound-for-pound fighter in the company’s history, something that a certain Jon Jones didn't take too kindly to.Fans around the world were weighing in on the events taking place before them, with one saying: “Justin Gaethje’s kick to Khabib’s foot early in the second round is one of the best hits I’ve ever seen on Khabib… and he somehow turned it into a submission. Absolutely unreal, unparalleled fighter. Greatest ever. #UFC254.”
Most fighters wouldn't be able to respond to that Gaethje leg kick, but not only did the Russian respond, he then turned it into a submission which eventually won him the bout. Remarkable.
Nurmagomedov made it pretty clear that his intentions are to retire from the sport of MMA, a promise backed up by the loyalty he has for both his word and his mother.
Say what you like about Khabib, the man’s all about respect and hard work. Over his career we have watched him take on the near impossible, overcoming it all.
It is a crying shame that it looks increasingly unlikely we will see Khabib again in any kind of combative form, but his legacy is untarnished. A truly perfect record inside the Octagon.