ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Unbeaten lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from mixed martial arts after stopping Justin Gaethje with a triangle choke early in the second round at UFC 254. After spending the first round largely trading punches and kicks with the aggressive Gaethje, Nurmagomedov used his unparalleled wrestling skills to take down Gaethje early in the second round and then worked into position for the finishing choke. ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Unbeaten lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from mixed martial arts after stopping Justin Gaethje with a triangle choke early in the second round at UFC 254 on Saturday night. “This is my last fight,” Nurmagomedov said. After spending the first round largely trading punches and kicks with the aggressive Gaethje, Nurmagomedov used his unparalleled wrestling skills to take down Gaethje early in the second round and then worked into position for the finishing choke.