Conor McGregor, Jon Jones and more react to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s sudden retirement at UFC 254

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Khabib Nurmagomedov retired after his UFC 254 win Saturday night. | Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Khabib Nurmagomedov turned in a career-high performance on Saturday with a second-round submission of Justin Gaethje that unified the UFC lightweight title and extended his unbeaten streak to 29-0.
Then Nurmagomedov shocked everyone by putting down his gloves and announcing his retirement after breaking down in tears with the 29th win of his career.
Fighting back emotion, Nurmagomedov explained his decision to retire as a way to honor his mother after the unexpected death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, from COVID-19 earlier this year.
The announcement took the MMA world by surprise, and here’s how fighters reacted

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Good performance @TeamKhabib.
I will carry on.
Respect and condolences on your father again also. To you and family.
Yours sincerely, The McGregors.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) 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.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020​

Until I take that heavily crown, I grant you the spot. Enjoy Champ
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020​

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
— D (@darrentill2) October 24, 2020​

Congratulations to @TeamKhabib what an amazing career! And what a way to End it! #UFCFightIsland6 @ufc
— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) October 24, 2020​

Man I’m tearing up .Khabib champ
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 24, 2020​

Retire on top! You’re the champ! Thank you for the new style in mma #UFC254
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) 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​

Undeniably the greatest lightweight of all time.. what a run! Congrats on a great career @TeamKhabib #UFC254
— Shane Burgos (@HurricaneShaneB) October 24, 2020​

Congrats on the fight @TeamKhabib If that’s your career, it’s a shame u didn’t get to fight someone coming forward and isn’t afraid to wrestle. Congrats I’ll be here when u return
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) October 24, 2020​

Impressive career and record, family is everything. Good luck in retirement @TeamKhabib. #UFC254
— Patricio Freire (@PatricioPitbull) October 24, 2020​

155ers are celebrating right now . 31 year old , 29-0 goat Khabib retiring !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) October 24, 2020​

Alhamdulilah ?
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) October 24, 2020​

. @TeamKhabib is the undisputed GOAT!!! Hands down the best to ever do it! The way he carried himself in and out of the cage . Congrats on a great career!!! I’m sure your father is smiling down on you
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) October 24, 2020​

One of the most respectful and dominant fighters in MMA history. Deserves all our admiration for what he did in the cage and for how he values his family. Once again condolences for your father and all the best in retirement @TeamKhabib. #UFC254
— Patricky Freire (@PatrickyPitbull) 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​

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​

Khabib Nurmagomedov laid his gloves down in the Octagon after announcing his retirement at #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/dZKLMPhVQt
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 24, 2020​

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