Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Goodbye

 Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Goodbye

        Possibly the worlds best pound-for-pound UFC fighter of all time beat Justin Gaethje by submission on October 24. Following the fight he told his fans that this was his last fight because he was not willing to fight anymore without his father by his side. 

    His dad, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, died in July after complications with the Coronavirus. Khabib and his father were very close, with his dad even being his fihgting coach from a very young age. 

    When Kahbib announced his retirement it took the fight world by shock, but still felt very sincere. I mean why not go out on top? Undefeated and undisputed pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC... what more does he have to prove?

    Though some people still think this retirement is not final. What if Connor McGregor comes out of retirement and starts talking trash once again? I you watch UFC then you know that Khabib hates McGregor, and I don't think he would turn down a rematch with him. That is a fight that makes him a ton of money against someone he would love to beat up once again.

    But what if this is the end of Khabib's career? Who is next?

    It is hard to deny the enormous amount of talent in that division. The lightweight division is full of talents like Gaethje, McGregor, Nate Diaz, and many more. But without the champ, what will it look like?

    Well as it is now, there is no one really worthy of fighting Khabib, and there would have to be at least 2 big wins out of any of the top fighters for them to be considered for fighting in the championship. As of right now, Gaethje has the most right for a shot at it, but after his recent loss he must win a few to prove himself again.

    No matter what happens next though, this retirement comes as the start of a new era. A new era filled with opportunity for young up and coming fighters who are hungry for a shot at the title. It is a sad, but exciting time in the lightweight division.

    Now all that is left to do is wait... wait to see who is ready to step up and become the new champ.

Tyler Stinson