Khabib Nurmagomedov stands alone.
In his first appearance since the death of his father, the American Kickboxing Academy ace choked Justin Gaethje unconscious with a second-round triangle to retain his undisputed Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight title in the UFC 254 headliner on Saturday at the Flash Forum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Gaethje (22-3, 5-3 UFC) went limp 1:34 into Round 2, as he was submitted for the first time in his 25-fight career.
Afterward, Nurmagomedov (29-0, 13-0 UFC) announced his retirement.
“The Eagle” pushed Gaethje beyond his bounds with relentless pressure and maniacal forward movement.