UFC 254 just wrapped up in Abu Dhabi and what was anticipated as the best card of the year absolutely delivered. But what caught everyone’s eyes was the main event between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje.
The Russian left no room for any doubts, he is unequivocally the number one fighter pound 4 pound in the world. His performance against the very dangerous Justin Gaethje was near perfection. Gaethje did have some success with the leg kicks in the first round but Nurmagomedov held his own on the feet and even hurt Gaethje multiple times. He finished the first round in a dominant position, looking to submit his opponent but lacked time. In the second round however, Gaethje was overwhelmed by Nurmagomedov’s frantic pace and fell victim to a beautiful takedown entry that allowed Khabib to get the full mount position immediately. From that point on, it was business as usual for the Russian. He dominated Gaethje on the ground before choking him out with a triangle choke.
Nurmagomedov was visibly emotional at the end of the fight due to the recent passing of his father Abudlmanap Nurmagomedov. In his post-fight interview with Jon Anik, Nurmagomedov announced that this was his last fight as he put his gloves on the mat.
Many fighters and celebrities were watching UFC 254 and they had a lot to say about the main event. Here are some of their reactions:
I got Justin 2nd round for some reason, don’t quote me on it. #UFC254
— DT (@darrentill2) October 24, 2020
I’m so torn on the main event, but smart money says this is like betting against Mayweather in boxing! Have to believe The Eagle will get it done again! 🦅 #UFC254
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) October 24, 2020
I want @TeamKhabib to win
— Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom) October 24, 2020
Let’s go!!!!! Been waiting for what feels like forever for this one.
— michael (@bisping) October 24, 2020
Ok I like the walkout song @Justin_Gaethje
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) October 24, 2020
Big shout out and prayers to the Highlight @Justin_Gaethje tonight Represent America proud .. You earned it 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) October 24, 2020
I’m gonna faint 😣 #UFC254
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) October 24, 2020
Good luck champ @TeamKhabib ✊🏼
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) October 24, 2020
#UFC254 I’m going with Gaethje for this one. BY KO!
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020
So dope!! 🙏🏻 congrats @TeamKhabib https://t.co/DQ2CxMtRJr
— “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) October 24, 2020
The Legacy of Khabib is unmatched 👏🏻👏🏻
What an emotional moment after losing his father earlier this year. #ufc254
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) October 24, 2020
Damn, levels to this shit
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020
Whitebelt
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) October 24, 2020
damn referee let Gaethje down 🥴
— BONY (@JonnyBones) October 24, 2020
Thank you for showing us your heart inside that cage GOAT @TeamKhabib #UFC254
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) October 24, 2020
The best pound for pound fighter in the world Congrats champion 🏆 @TeamKhabib #UFC254 @ufc
— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) October 24, 2020
29-0. After a masterful, skilled, beautifully well rounded performance Khabib leaves his gloves in the octagon and announces his retirement. Wow.
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) October 24, 2020
Congratulations to my brother 🙏🏿🙏🏿 @TeamKhabib and keep your head up my brother @Justin_Gaethje #UFC254
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) October 24, 2020
He’s definitely #1 pound for pound!! Congratulations on a great career #UFC254
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) October 24, 2020
The best to ever do it @TeamKhabib
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) October 24, 2020
Man I’m tearing up .Khabib champ
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 24, 2020
Phenomenon. 🦅 @TeamKhabib 👏👏👏#UFC254
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) 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
— “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) October 24, 2020
Unreal. One of the greatest performances I’ve ever seen. 🙏🏼 #KhabibTime
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) October 24, 2020
The Legacy of Khabib is unmatched 👏🏻👏🏻
What an emotional moment after losing his father earlier this year. #ufc254
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) October 24, 2020