Khabib Nurmagomedov is 'officially retired,' UFC president Dana White says
Nurmagomedov originally announced his retirement after beating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254
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Khabib Nurmagomedov is truly retired from the UFC, Dana White tweeted Thursday night.
The UFC president posted a photo of himself with the undefeated lightweight champion at dinner and confirmed that the fighter had no plans to return to the octagon.
"He is [100%] officially retired. It was incredible to watch you work @TeamKhabib thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend," White tweeted.
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Nurmagomedov, 32, announced his retirement after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October and moved to 29-0 for his career. However, there was still some speculation he would make a UFC return for one more fight -- either against Georges St-Pierre or a rematch against Conor McGregor.
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"It was a good dinner with some great people. @danawhite thank you so much brother and the entire @ufc team for the opportunity to prove myself, you guys have changed many live forever because of this sport," Nurmagomedov wrote in a separate Instagram post.
"Dana - I’ll never forget your attitude towards me, my father did not forget and my sons will remember you. Today there was a real conversation between real men," he continued.
"Also thank you to all team, sparing partners and all fans. I hope you will accept my decision and understand me," he added.
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Nurmagomedov's retirement leaves the lightweight championship up for grabs.
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White told ESPN that the UFC is finalizing a lightweight title fight between Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 in May. It would be Chandler’s second fight in UFC. He made his debut at UFC 257.