Retiring Without Losing, Khabib Nurmagomedov Enters The UFC Hall Of Fame

Former UFC fighter, Khabib Nurmagomedov. (Photo/Instagram @khabib_nurmagomedov)

JAKARTA – Khabib Nurmagomedov will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. The mixed martial arts fighter will receive this award on July 2.

Nurmagomedov was present at UFC 272 in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 5, when the UFC announced he would be inducted into the 2022 Hall of Fame Class.

The 33-year-old fighter from Dagestan, which is a republic in Russia, will be inducted into the modern fighter wing in this Hall of Fame.

The undefeated former lightweight champion is considered one of the greatest fighters ever. He has a record record win-lose 29-0.

"Khabib is one of the greatest athletes to have ever competed in a professional sport," said UFC president Dana White.

Nurmagomedov won the lightweight title in 2018 and defended it until he officially announced his retirement in October 2020.

Nurmagomedov's decision to retire is one of the most memorable events in mixed martial arts history. He retired in tears and put his gloves on the mat after his UFC 254 win against Justin Gaethje.

“No one dominates their opponents like Khabib does, and retiring undefeated, as lightweight champion and number one athlete in the world is a great achievement. It's been an honor to have him inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer," said White.

The win came four months after he lost his father and longtime coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, to complications from COVID-19.