A new era in the UFC lightweight division is on the horizon after Khabib Nurmagomedov ’s retirement announcement. Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) retired from MMA competition Saturday following a second-round submission win over Justin Gaethje (22-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) to defend his 155-pound title in the UFC 254 main event at Forum Flash at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Although the promotion has yet to officially acknowledge the title’s vacant, all signs point to that coming soon with a new champion set to be crowned thereafter. Lightweight is arguably the deepest weight class in the sport, and immediately there are a number of title-fight competitors, including Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler, to name a few. Related Michael Chandler pitches lightweight title tournament after Khabib's retirement Georges St-Pierre surprised, wishes Khabib Nurmagomedov well after 'perfect career' Dana White confident Khabib Nurmagomedov will stay retired after UFC 254 What’s the best way for the UFC to proceed
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