This weekend, at UFC 254, Khabib Nurmagomedov submitted Justin Gaethje with a triangle choke to retain his lightweight title. Following the victory, Nurmagomedov then announced his retirement from the sport, citing the death of his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov earlier this year due to complications from COVID-19. The announcement came as a surprise as rumors had been constant that Khabib would fight one more time before hanging up his gloves, but in his post-fight speech, Nurmagomedov revealed he had made a promise to his mother to only fight this one last time. Khabib’s announcement came as a surprise to most, including former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler who was sitting cageside for the bout.
Morning Report: In the wake of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement, Michael Chandler calls for bout with Justin Gaethje
