Khabib vs Gaethje result: Champion submits American in second round to retain lightweight title at UFC 254

Russian moved to 29-0 before retiring moments after his victory via triangle choke

Khabib Nurmagomedov submitted Justin Gaethje in the second round to retain his lightweight title in the main event at UFC 254 before shockingly announcing his retirement from MMA.

The Russian put his unbeaten 28-0 record on the line against the American interim champion on Abu Dhabi’s ‘Fight Island’, and after a tense start, Khabib landed his first takedown at the end of the first round, securing a double-leg against the cage.

Early in the second, ‘The Eagle’ secured another takedown and quickly moved to mount position.

From there, he seemed to be seeking an armbar, but ultimately locked in a triangle choke.

Gaethje attempted to pick up and slam Khabib, but failed to muster the strength.

After referee Jason Herzog missed an initial tap, Gaethje appeared to pass out in the hold. 

It was later revealed that two of the three judges had given Gaethje the first round. That marked just the second frame the Russian has ever lost, following the third round against Conor McGregor in an October 2018 title defence.

In a stunning moment, Khabib retired from MMA minutes after his victory.

Khabib’s father and head coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov died in July following complications from coronavirus, and the Russian champion said that had played a key role in his decision to leave the sport.

Breaking down in tears after his win, 32-year-old Khabib said: “God give me everything, and with my father, I love you so much… It was my last fight.

“No way I’m gonna come here [again] without my father. It was the first time after what happened with my father.

“When UFC called me about Justin, I talked with my mother for three days. She didn’t want me to go fight without father, but I promised her: ‘It’s gonna be my last fight.’ And if I I give my word, I have to follow this.

“It was my last fight, here. I know only one thing I want from UFC: You guys have to put me as No1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, because I deserve this. UFC undisputed lightweight champion, I think I deserve it.

Khabib takes down Gaethje (Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

“I want to say thank you to Lorenzo [Fertita], Dana [White], Hunter [Campbell]. Thank you to all this UFC team, everybody around the world. Thank you so much, Justin – 2016, I remember when I cut weight, you helped me a lot. Thank you, brother. This is a fight; without the cage, I know you’re a great man. I know how you take care of your close people, I know a lot of things about you.

“Be close with your parents, because you never know what’s gonna happen tomorrow. 

“Thank you, coach, I love you so much. My team-mates. Today is my last fight here in UFC. It was my father’s dream, what else…

“Dustin [Poirier] and Conor [McGregor] are gonna fight in January, I choked them out, both of them, I'm not interested in this...”

Old rival McGregor reacted by writing on Twitter: “Good performance Khabib. I will carry on.

“Respect and condolences on your father again also. To you and family. Yours sincerely, The McGregors.”

After the main event had conluded, UFC president White revealed Khabib had apparently broken his foot just weeks before the fight.

White, who said he could “smell” an upset as Khabib didn’t look right, said: “What this guy has been through, we’re all lucky that we got to see him fight tonight.

“Apparently, he was in the hospital and he broke his foot three weeks ago.

“So he has two broken toes and a bone in his foot that’s broken. That’s what his corner told me.”

In the night’s co-main event, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker outpointed Jared Cannonier (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). It was a masterful performance by the Australian, who is now expected to get a rematch against current titleholder Israel Adesanya, who took the belt from Whittaker one year ago.

Main card and prelim results:

Khabib def. Gaethje via second-round submission (triangle choke, 1:34)

Whittaker def. Cannonier via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Volkov def. Harris via second-round TKO (front kick, 1:15)

Hawes def. Malkoun via first-round KO (strikes, 0:18)

Murphy def. Shakirova via second-round submission (rear naked choke, 3:31)

Ankalaev def. Cutelaba via first-round KO (ground strikes, 4:19)

Tai Tuivasa def. Stefan Struve via first-round KO (strikes, 4:59)

Casey Kenney def. Nathaniel Wood via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Shavkat Rakhmonov def. Alex Oliveira via first-round submission (guillotine, 4:40)

Sam Alvey drew with Da-Un Jung (28-29, 29-28, 28-28)