Khabib Nurmagomedov, the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, has officially retired from the sport.
Axar.az reports UFC President Dana White reported via his Twitter.
"He is 100% officially retired. It was incredible to watch you work, Khabib, thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend," he wrote.
White later told ESPN that American Michael Chandler and Brazil’s Charles Oliveirawill contest the champion belt that the Russian martial artists vacated at the UFC 262 event on May 15.
The 32-year-old Russian fighter, nicknamed ‘The Eagle,’ is holding an unblemished record of 29 wins in all of his mixed martial arts fights (8 by KOs, 11 by submission and 10 by decision). He defeated his UFC title three times, defeating Conor McGregor of Ireland, Dustin Poirier of the United States and Justin Gaethje of the United States.