Khabib Nurmagomedov has posted a number of images, including an x-ray picture, of his broken foot taken just weeks before beating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
The undefeated Russian defeated Gaethje in the second round of Saturday night's main event in Abu Dhabi, clinching victory with a triangle choke from a full mount in the second round.
He then decided to announce his retirement from the sport; a huge shock to fans watching around the world.
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Speaking to Jon Anik inside the Octagon, he said: "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 [Gaethje] I spoke with my mother for three days."
As the Khabib news began to sink in, Dana White revealed in a press conference that Nurmagomedov was actually hospitalised in the build-up to UFC 254, but refused to pull out of the bout.
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White said the UFC lightweight champion fought with two broken toes and a broken bone in his foot.
"What this guy has been through, we're all lucky that we got to see him fight tonight." he said. "Apparently, he was in the hospital and he broke his foot three weeks ago.
"So, he has two broken toes and a bone in his foot that's broken. That's what his corner told me."
Khabib has since shared pictures of his broken foot on Instagram; one being an x-ray of a broken toe and another image of his incredibly swollen foot taken on October 8 - just 16 days before retaining his belt.
Nurmagomedov walks away from the UFC with a perfect record of 29-0, beating the likes of Edson Barboza, Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor, among others.
Featured Image Credit:Topics:ย Khabib, Justin Gaethje, UFC News, Nurmagomedov, injury, UFC
