The fight, which took place as part of the UFC 254 tournament in the United Arab Emirates, ended in the second round with an ahead-of-time win of the Russian MMA fighter.

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia defeated American Justin Gaethje with a triangle, defending his title for the third time. The fight took place as part of the UFC 254 tournament in the UAE.

For Nurmagomedov it was the 29th victory in 29 fights in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

In the first round, Gage was dominating, but about a minute later, Khabib seized the initiative. Both had several blows passed, but at the end Nurmagomedov reached his game and even tried to use an arm lock, but did not have time.

In the second five-minute round, the Russian fighter, after a takedown, “strangled” the American athlete with his feet. Gage was forced to surrender and the fight was stopped.

Nurmagomedov won the UFC lightweight title in April 2018. He won the fight against American Al Iaquinta in New York by unanimous decision of judges. Then Khabib defeated two contenders: Irishman Conor McGregor and another US representative Dustin Poirier.

Georgy ASLANYAN