UFC finally accepts Nurmagomedov’s retirement

The UFC has finally accepted Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement.

The former UFC lightweight world champion unexpectedly retired in October after he defeated Justin Gaethje by way second-round submission in the main event of UFC 254.

“29-0 it is. He is one hundred officially retired. It was incredible to watch you work @TeamKhabib thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend,” UFC president Dana White wrote on Twitter.

29-0 it is.

He is ???? officially retired. It was incredible to watch you work @TeamKhabib thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend. pic.twitter.com/QeoSP12zw2

— danawhite (@danawhite) March 19, 2021

Nurmagomedov initially wanted to go for 30-0 before he calls it a day but the prizefighter did not want to continue his career after his father Abdulmanap passed away in July to complications brought upon by COVID-19.

White tried to lure Nurmagomedov back to the cage for months but has been consistently declined by the Russian.

With his retirement made official, the UFC will pit former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler against Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 on May 15 in a yet to be determined venue. – RC, GMA News