Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts after defeating Justin Gaethje at the Flash Forum on Yas Island. File

Sakeena Banday, Gulf Today

The greatest lightweight in the history of the sport Khabib Nurmagomedov has officialy closed the book on his career.

On March 19, 2021 UFC President Dana White took to social media to finally declare his retirement.

In October 2020, Khabib announced his retirement after defeating Justin Gaethje in the UAE capital.

At the time, Nurmagomedov announced that he had promised his mother that he would retire from the sport, but White believed the decision was made in the heat of the moment and he could eventually convince him to return to the UFC.

Despite his best efforts, White was unable to sway Nurmagomedov to come back for another fight.

White wrote on Twitter, “29-0 it is,” while posting a photo alongside Nurmagomedov. “He is 100 percent officially retired. It was incredible to watch you work, Khabib. Thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend.”

Earlier this week, Nurmagomedov posted a photo alongside former UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta with a note addressed to White that said “send location,” which led to speculation that perhaps he really was considering a comeback.

Instead, it appears Nurmagomedov was just planning on meeting with White to confirm his retirement as he walks away from the sport with a rare undefeated record and having never lost his UFC lightweight title.

Khabib had revealed earlier that he would only come out of retirement with his mother’s blessing.

He said he's stepping away from the ring in the wake of his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's death in July from COVID-19 complications.

"Today, this was my last fight," the Russian fighter said. "Ain't no way I'm going to come here without my father."

"It was my first time after what happened with my father," he continued. "When UFC called me about Justin, I talk with my mother three days. She don't (want me) go fight without father but I promise her it's gonna be my last fight, and if I give my word I have to follow this. It was my last fight here."