UFC 254: Five things we learned

UFC 254 was an emotional event for MMA fans, as Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from the game following his second round submission of Justin 'The Highlight' Gaethje.

These are my five biggest points to takeaway from the historic evening in Abu Dhabi.

A Legend’s Farewell

As Khabib Nurmagomedov collapsed onto the octagon canvas after submitting Justin Gaethje in the second round, emotion spilled out across the floor as the fighter from Dagestan burst into tears.

He had ended all disputes whether he was the greatest lightweight of all time, let alone the deserved number one pound for pound fighter on the UFC roster.

It took The Eagle a couple of minutes to calibrate his striking distance, and then once calculated the Russian’s stiff, powerful jabs unloaded upon the so-called man who could bring him his first loss in mixed martial arts.

Nurmagomedov submitted Gaethje in just over six minutes.

Khabib’s signature ending to a fight occurred last night. Powerful takedown on his opponent, transition into full mount and then move into a triangle to ultimately submit the 29th failed attempt at beating him.

Remarkable to think Khabib has fought in arguably the toughest mixed martial arts organisation in the world and has rarely ended up damaged after his fight. No damage or cuts sustained in yet another world class display.

The astonishing thing is that he managed to complete his 19th career finish, only three weeks after breaking his foot according to UFC president Dana White.

It was clear four months of pain had been released as Nurmagomedov completed his hardest training camp of his life…the only one without his father by his side.

The announcement of his retirement is sad when you realise, he clearly has the ability to continue his legacy for many years to come, but once the words “I promise her” left his mouth, you knew he meant it. Khabib is not the sort of man to go back on his word, let alone a promise with his closest family member.

MMA has just lost its most dominant fighter in the sports history.

At the age of 32 Khabib leaves the UFC as a legend and arguably the greatest of all time.

He was a true martial artist-he hated the trash talking and was a big advocate that your skills within the cage will create your success.

He’s paved a way for a new generation of fighters who can just showcase their skills and will get rewarded, however there will never be another Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The Vacant Lightweight Crown

Before when Nurmagomedov ruled the lightweight division, you could see no one beating him and that’s a fact. But now The Eagle has departed, there’s a gaping hole at the top of the weight class.

155 pounds is wide open again. Newly signed fighter Michael Chandler is among many who’ll be out there to prove his worth after he was named the backup fighter in case things didn’t go to plan leading up to UFC 254.

The Notorious Conor McGregor is on the prowl, and it seems he may have a fight early next year lined up against Dustin Poirier ahead of his rumoured boxing spectacle with Manny Pacquiao-both men had been choked out by Nurmagomedov.

He got beat up badly and has taken a lot of damage over his fighting career, but Tony Ferguson’s name will surely come up in future lightweight discussions after his 12-fight win streak was ended by the recent victim of Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje.

No matter the speculation, only one name is certain to be in the discussions and that name is Conor McGregor.

The Irishman’s return to MMA was halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19, and now with his biggest rival out of the picture, the UFC will surely capitalise on its biggest money maker.

The throne is free, and I expect a stampede of contenders to charge for it.

The Reaper Is Out For Revenge

Not immediately though, but Robert Whittaker is eyeing up a sequel against current middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.

The co-main of UFC 254 will be shadowed greatly by the main event and what followed after, but Whittaker’s striking performance against a dangerous Jared Cannonier has put him in big contention for an all New Zealander clash at 185 pounds.

The Reaper’s impressive striking ability enabled him to gain a flawless victory over ‘The Killa Gorilla’. The combination of throwing the right hand and then going for the right head kick caught out Cannonier a couple of times and was the weapon that dropped the inform fighter.

It was Whittaker’s first three round fight since 2017, and you could tell he was glad he didn’t have to potentially last another ten minutes as he exuberated all of his energy in attempting to finish his opponent.

From finishing Darren Till, to know overcoming Cannonier in the space of three months, it appears The Reaper’s second tango with the only undefeated champion on the UFC roster is on the cards for 2021.

New Welterweight Contender On The Horizon

No I’m not talking about Khamzat Chimaev, instead I’m intrigued to see how UFC debutant Shavkat Rakhmonov performs on the big stage.

The fighter from Kazakhstan literally ran through an experienced veteran in Alex Olivera.

On the feet Rakmonov outclassed Cowboy I what’s meant to be the Brazilian’s bread and butter, and then when the fight was taken to the ground, it was just a matter of time before the undefeated fighter chose to end the bout.

His record of 13-0, with all victories coming from stoppages show he’s the real deal.

The former M-1 Global Welterweight champion is an excellent all rounder who, at only 26 years of age, will be one to look out for at 170 pounds.

A Lesson In Risk Taking

Lauren Murphy deserves all the credit for her UFC 254 performance and more.

The flyweight was supposed to fight Cynthia Calvillo to see who would take the number one contender spot within the division, but as we all know fight weeks are never perfect and Calvillo pulled out with three days to go.

A huge decision had to be made.

The masses would watch this card due to the main events popularity, so with the chance to stay on one of the biggest cards of the year, Murphey took up the option of fighting unranked newcomer Liliya Shakirova. A move that paid off big time.

She not only finished an opponent with a submission for the first time, but the 37-year-old extended her win streak to four (the second longest in the flyweight division).

The opportunity was there to be taken, and it was grasped with both hands as Murphy puts her name in the hat for the possibility of fighting the winner of Maia v Shevchenko, however after Jessica Andrade’s eye opening knockout of Katlyn Chookagian, she may have to wait a little bit more for her chance at UFC gold.