18 December 2020

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov wins BBC Sports Personality’s World Sport Star award

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has been named BBC Sports Personality’s World Sport Star of the Year.

The 32-year-old Russian defeated Justin Gaethje by second round submission at UFC 254 back in October to extend his undefeated MMA record to 29-0.

It was a particularly emotional victory for Khabib as it was his first without father Abdulmanap in the corner following his death earlier in the year.

The Russian was overcome with emotion after his win over Gaethje

(Twitter: @ESPNStatsInfo)

Khabib announced his retirement from MMA immediately after his win over Gaethje, saying he promised his mother he would not continue without his father by his side.

However, UFC president Dana White has recently revealed he believes Khabib will return to the octagon to try and reach 30-0 and Nurmagomedov has even hinted at another fight.

Khabib won the award through an online poll, beating five other nominees in Swedish pole vaulter Armand Duplantis, American basketball great LeBron James, American golfer Dustin Johnson, French footballer Wendie Renard, and Irish boxer Katie Taylor.

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