Khabib Nurmagomedov will no longer compete in mixed martial arts and the impact of his announcement was felt by the number of fighters who reacted to it.
Nurmagomedov defeated Justin Gaethje in the UFC 254 headliner on Saturday to not only unify the lightweight titles, but go 29-0.
Despite previously hinting at wanting to compete for a long time, “The Eagle” would instead call time on his career revealing that he promised his mother this would be his last fight inside the Octagon.
It brings an end to a 12-year mixed martial arts career as well as an eight-year career in the UFC where he went 13-0 with the promotion.
And unsurprisingly, a number of fighters reacted to the news by wishing him well and thanking him for all the performances over the years.
Congratulations to the greatest champion in @ufc history. What a career, we are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with you my brother. 29-0 undefeated and undisputed. #weareaka #eaglesmma #fathersplan #heissoproud @TeamKhabib pic.twitter.com/uXjiT34JuV
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) October 24, 2020
Enjoy family and life @TeamKhabib most important things in the world. Respect
— Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom) October 24, 2020
It’s been a pleasure watching you @TeamKhabib beautiful, dominant performance 🙏🏼 enjoy retirement!
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) October 24, 2020
https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1320110761679724544?s=20
Getting emotional watching this. Wow. Khabib respecting his mother and following through with his word. What a man. Deffo a top 5 goat of MMA. Happy retirement. pic.twitter.com/dkqOlcS3OR
— DT (@darrentill2) October 24, 2020
I want to congratulate Khabib for an outstanding career. I know he made his father along with millions of fans around the world incredibly proud today. May God continue to bless him on his journey.
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020
He’s definitely #1 pound for pound!! Congratulations on a great career #UFC254
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) October 24, 2020
Congratulations to my brother 🙏🏿🙏🏿 @TeamKhabib and keep your head up my brother @Justin_Gaethje #UFC254
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) October 24, 2020
I’m 100% behind giving @TeamKhabib the #1 P4P ranking! Absolutely earned! Congrats on an AMAZING career. You are an inspiration. Much love. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 #UFC254
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) October 24, 2020
Impressive career and record, family is everything. Good luck in retirement @TeamKhabib. #UFC254
— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) October 24, 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov is MMA GOAT 🐐. 29-0 , beat all comers in their prime , barely lost a round , always active , no PEDs failed tests. Enjoy your retirement . CLASS 🙏🏾
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) October 24, 2020
Outstanding champion, incredible career and amazing achievements. Congrats and all the best outside the Octagon @TeamKhabib! https://t.co/Ze2CZrcSqT
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) October 24, 2020