Khabib Nurmagomedov Chokes Out Justin Gaethje, Retires at UFC 254

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Khabib Nurmagomedov executed a triangle choke finisher on Justin Gaethje in the second round at UFC 254 today to become 29-0. Nurmagomedov immediately paid tribute to his late father and trainer, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who passed in July:




In the post-fight interview, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from UFC:






Retirements are notoriously temporary in combat sports, especially for a fighter the caliber of Nurmagomedov, who is arguably the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter on the planet. However, this was a poignant moment and for now we know it will be a long time, if ever, before we see Nurmagomedov compete in the octagon again.

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Ryan Glasspiegel grew up in Connecticut, graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison, and lives in Chicago. Before OutKick, he wrote for Sports Illustrated and The Big Lead. He enjoys expensive bourbon and cheap beer.