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Ultimate Fighting Championship
Martial ArtsMixed Martial Arts

UFC 254: Jon Jones mocks Khabib Nurmagomedov asking for pound-for-pound No 1 spot

  • Former light heavyweight champ makes fun of retiring Nurmagomedov for asking UFC to place him atop pound-for-pound rankings
  • ‘I’m just going to ask for the heavyweight championship belt and see if they give it to me. Since we can just ask for things now,’ tweets Jones

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Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrates his victory over Justin Gaethje in their lightweight title bout at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Nicolas Atkin
Khabib Nurmagomedov asked “only one thing” of the UFC after announcing his shock retirement, demanding the No 1 spot in the UFC’s updated pound-for-pound rankings next week.
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And it seemed at first that Jon Jones (26-1, one no contest) was willing to figuratively step aside at the top – for now.

“Until I take that [heavyweight] crown, I grant you the spot,” the former light heavyweight king tweeted. “Enjoy Champ.”

The 32-year-old Nurmagomedov (29-0) submitted Justin Gaethje (22-3) to wrap up his third lightweight title defence before walking away from the Octagon for good.

“I want to say it was my last fight, and no way I’m gonna come here without my father,” said the Dagestan native. His father and coach Abdulmanap died aged 57 in July because of complications stemming from contracting the coronavirus.

“I know only one thing I want from the UFC,” he added. “Tuesday you guys have to put me on number one pound-for-pound in world because I deserve this. UFC undisputed lightweight champ, 13-0 in the UFC, 29-0 in my pro MMA career. I think I deserve.”

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