K. Nurmagomedov retired from MMA in October 2020. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
A year ago, the greatest fighter in the history of the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg) hung up his gloves prematurely. On October 24, 2020, at 32 years old and still undefeated, Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement after winning Justin gaethje No. UFC 254, which took place in Abu Dhabi (UAE). In honor of the 'Eagle', the SUPER FIGHTS takes a small look back at the former champion's career.
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Forged in wrestling in Dagestan (federal division of Russia located in the southwest of the country), Khabib arrived at the UFC without much fanfare in 2012 after stints in local events such as 'PROFC' and 'M-1'. The Russian fighter arrived at the biggest event in the world with an incredible 16-0 on his record. In his debut, he defeated Kamal Shalorus via submission in the third round in January of the same year.
Still in 2012, more precisely in July, the Russian faced the tough Brazilian Gleison Tibau and won by unanimous decision from the judges. The fight still generates discussions today, as many journalists and MMA fans saw the Brazilian fighter's victory. Khabib to this day says that this was the most difficult fight he faced in his entire time in the UFC.
KHABIB PROVOCATOR
K.Nurmagomedov provoked the jiu-jitsu community at the weigh-in UFC Sao Paulo Photo: Facebook/UFC
In his third fight for the organization, Khabib showed a side that would rarely be seen during his career: that of a provocateur. When weighing the UFC Sao Paulo, where he would face the black belt Thiago tavares, the Russian entered with a provocative shirt written in English: 'If Sambô were easy, it would be called jiu-jitsu'. The shirt caused a buzz in the gentle art community, who were dying to see the 'abused Russian' being silenced by the Brazilian.
The next day, in the octagon, what we saw was Khabib walking. There was no submission, but the Russian fighter knocked out Thiago just over a minute into the fight and silenced an arena full of Brazilians. After that, Nurmagomedov had two more quiet victories, over Abel Trujillo and Pat Healy, both by decision.
The first big challenge and the serious injury
K. Nurmagomedov and R. dos Anjos faced each other in April 2014 Photo: Disclosure/ UFC
Already among the tops in the lightweight category, Khabib was chosen to face the rising Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos, a jiu-jitsu black belt who, under the hands of trainer Rafael Cordeiro, had transformed into an elite striker. The Brazilian had been on the back of five consecutive victories in the division and was already aiming for the belt.
In the octagon, it was a ride for the Russian. With a wrestling show, Khabib gave no room for the Brazilian's striking and dominated the 15 minutes of combat, showing intense physical preparation and talent. The belt seemed very close to catching a plane to Russia, however, a serious knee injury took the Russian out of the Octagon for around two years.
On his return, Khabib faced the unknown Darrell Horcher and even though he had no fight rhythm, he won by knockout in the second. Afterwards, the Russian won Michael Johnson and the Brazilian Edson Barboza, by submission and by the judges’ decision, respectively.
At UFC 223, the Russian's coronation finally came. What was always known to be a matter of time, happened on April 07, 2018. After a confusion involving Max Holloway and the New York Athletic Commission, the Russian would compete for the lightweight belt for the first time in his career against To the fifth. The American had no chance against Khabib and was dominated for five rounds and defeated by unanimous decision from the judges.
The big fight
C. McGregor (left) was defeated by K. Nurmagomedov (right) at UFC 229. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Like every great story, the 'climax' of his career Khabib Nurmagomedov I was coming. At UFC 229, in October 2018, the Russian would face what in a short time became the biggest name in UFC history. Former lightweight and featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg) Conor McGregor returned to Ultimate after almost two years away due to 'extra-octagon' problems. The Irishman, as always, went beyond the limits in his provocations before the fight and brought an extra 'spice' to the long-awaited clash.
During the fight, we saw yet another walk from Khabib. Dominant in the ground fight and without giving space to McGregor's dangerous left hand, the Russian took advantage of his opponent's fatigue and won by submission in the fourth round. With his adrenaline pumping and tired of the provocations from his rival and his team, Khabib attacked the Irishman's staff immediately after the fight ended. What was seen at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas (USA), were scenes of widespread fighting like never before seen in the history of Ultimate. UFC 229 is, to this day, the best-selling event in the organization's history, with 2.400.00 (two million and four hundred thousand) packages sold.
In 2019, the 'Eagle' only had one fight. Against Dustin poirier No. UFC 242, another protocol victory for the Russian via submission, this time in the third round. Khabib had, in addition to his talent, the gift of making the toughest guys in his division turn into sparring for 'luxury workouts'.
THE SILENCE OF THE EAGLE
K. Nurmagomedov (right) next to his father. Photo: Reproduction / Instagram
On July 03, 2020, Khabib would suffer the hardest blow of his 32 years of life. His father and mentor, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away in Moscow (RUS) due to complications from Covid-19. The main driver of the champion's career would be an irreplaceable absence in his life and in the preparation for another title fight.
On October 24th, Khabib entered the octagon on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi (UAE) to face the interim champion Justin gaethje. The victory by submission in the second round took a backseat after the fight. Shortly after the duel, still in the octagon, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from mixed martial arts. The lightweight leader stated that he needed to spend more time with his family and that he had promised his mother that he would be by her side for more time.
Khabib retired undefeated with 29 consecutive victories and with his name among the greatest in the history of the sport. The Russian won 13 consecutive victories in Ultimate between 2012 and 2020 and defeated names like Conor McGregor, Dustin poirier, Rafael dos Anjos among others.
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