UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov returned home to Dagestan on Tuesday and spoke to reporters for the first time since leaving the octagon at UFC 254. Following his successful defense of the belt against Justin Gaethje (22-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) at Flash Forum at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) announced his retirement from MMA competition in a highly emotional interview with UFC commentator Jon Anik. Nurmagomedov, who was fighting for the first time since the death of his father over the summer, revealed that he promised his mother that he would not continue with his career now that Abdulmanap is no longer there to be his head coach, mentor and best friend. “The Eagle” then left the cage, and did not make any post-UFC 254 media appearances. After taking a few days and traveling home, Nurmagomedov spoke with a handful of reporters and detailed his decision. By all appearances, he’s at peace with it
Read more: