After updating the rankings, UFC chooses to keep Khabib as lightweight champion and best weight-for-pound

K. Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from MMA after the UFC 254. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The announcement of the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov, shortly after his victory in the UFC 254, took a lot of people by surprise, but it doesn't seem to have had any effect on the Ultimate board. In the weekly ranking update, those responsible for the changes opted to maintain the Russian as the linear lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) and at the top of the company's best weight-for-weight rankings.

See too

Cormier finds it difficult, but doesn't rule out Khabib's return to MMA: 'I'm not going to judge'

Dustin Poirier criticizes Justin Gaethje for belittling the interim belt: 'I honor and value my work'

After Gaethje was defeated by Khabib, Rashad Evans praises McGregor: 'He can beat him'

Even ensuring that the clash against Justin gaethje marked his last performance as a professional in mixed martial arts, Dana White and his team continue to believe that a future fight proposal could change the 'Eagle's' decision. When informing that he was hanging up his gloves, Khabib justified the action based on family issues, such as the recent loss of his father, coach and mentor; in addition to the promise made to her mother, guaranteeing that she would no longer compete in a fight.

Just over a week after Nurmagomedov's announcement, the president of Ultimate declared that he is holding talks with the champion and that he believes the athlete will rethink his decision. Khabib, for his part, has given no hint that he might back down.

Personal friend and training partner of the Russian at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), Daniel Cormier is more pessimistic about the 'Eagle's' return to the sport. While not ruling out a possible return, DC believes that a promise made by Nurmagomedov cannot be minimized.

Hall goes up after hitting Anderson Silva

Responsible for defeating Anderson Silva in what marked the Brazilian's last appearance with Ultimate gloves, in UFC Las Vegas 12, Uriah Hall continued his journey towards the top of the middleweight division (up to 83,9kg.).

Before facing the Tupiniquim legend, the Jamaican was in 10th position in the group led by Israel adesanya. Now, the athlete has jumped one position and is 9th.

See how the updates turned out

K. Nurmagomedov continues to lead the weight-for-pound rankings. Photo: Reproduction

K. Nurmagomedov remains the lineal lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction

PUBLICITY:

U. Hall moves up one position after victory over A. Silva. Photo: Reproduction