1 of 8
UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement on Saturday night after 12 years as a professional MMA fighter.
Image Credit: Instagram
2 of 8
The Dagestan native showed promise in eastern Europe beating opponents much older than himself in his early years.
Image Credit: Instagram
3 of 8
With his father by his side as coach, he quickly rose through the ranks and moved on to UFC.
Image Credit: Instagram
4 of 8
Khabib, who would become the first Muslim to win a UFC title, blitzed through all his rivals with his unique style of grappling and Octagon movement.
Image Credit: AFP
5 of 8
By 2012, he was already being touted as a contender to become UFC's greatest of all time as he began dismissing allcomers.
Image Credit: Reuters
6 of 8
He became a glbal household name when he defeated Conor McGregor in 2018 in a controversial fight that saw both fighters banned when a post-fight brawl spilled into the stands.
Image Credit: Gulf News Archives
7 of 8
Khabib was the toast of Abu Dhabi last year when be clinically destroyed Dustin Poirier to defend his lightweight title.
Image Credit: AP
8 of 8
And he signed off in style at Yas Island with his second-round stoppage of Justin Gaethje on Saturday night.
Image Credit: Supplied