7 years ago today, Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Dustin Poirier in his final fight with father Abdulmanap

Seven years ago today, Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi. The Russian secured a third-round rear-naked choke victory to successfully defend and unify the UFC Lightweight Championship.The bout became one of the most important fights of Khabib’s career for another reason. It was the final time his father and longtime coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, was in his corner for a professional fight. The victory kept Khabib unbeaten and moved his record to 28-0.The night Khabib Nurmagomedov fought for gold with his father beside him one last timeKhabib Nurmagomedov entered UFC 242 on September 7, 2019, as one of the most dominant fighters in MMA. He had already defeated Conor McGregor in 2018 to retain the lightweight title. Poirier, meanwhile, had earned his opportunity after becoming the interim lightweight champion.The fight in Abu Dhabi quickly became a battle of elite grappling and striking. Khabib used his trademark pressure and wrestling to control Poirier for long periods. However, the American gave the champion one of his toughest moments.During the fight, Poirier managed to lock Khabib in a tight guillotine choke. It was a dangerous position and created genuine concern for the champion. Khabib stayed composed and eventually escaped.He returned to his dominant style and continued to put Poirier under pressure. In the third round, Khabib secured the finish. He locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing Poirier to tap.The victory improved Khabib’s professional record to 28-0. It also strengthened his status as one of the greatest lightweight fighters in UFC history.Notably, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was more than Khabib’s father. He was his first major mentor and played a central role in developing his fighting style. He had trained in Sambo and Judo and built a training environment that helped shape Khabib from a young age.Abdulmanap pushed his son to learn different fighting disciplines. He demanded discipline and hard work. He also remained a constant presence throughout Khabib’s rise to the UFC championship.The Poirier fight was therefore a historic final chapter in their professional journey together.In July 2020, Abdulmanap died at the age of 57 after complications related to COVID-19. His death deeply affected Khabib.Khabib returned to the Octagon later that year to face Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. He won by second-round submission and improved his record to 29-0.After the fight, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement. He explained that he had promised his mother he would not continue fighting without his father. He said, “This was my last fight. No way I can come here without my father. … I promise it will be my last fight. If I give my word, I have to follow this.”Khabib Nurmagomedov walked away from MMA undefeated. But his victory over Poirier remains particularly special because it was the last time Abdulmanap stood beside him in the corner.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.