Conor McGregor has paid tribute to his UFC rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has announced he is retiring from the octagon. Nurmagomedov extended his perfect professional record to 29-0 with a second-round submission win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. After his victory, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from the sport in an emotional post-fight interview in the octagon at ‘Fight Island’. “Thank you to these guys with me, with my father more than 10 years. Coach Jav I love him so much. All my team. Thank you,” said the unbeaten star. “Today I want to say this is my last fight. No way am I coming here without my father. When UFC comes to me about Justin I spoke with my mother for three days. “She didn’t want me to fight without father and I said this is my last fight – and I have given her my word."