For those wondering, here’s the full story. Khabib told his corner (there was no ‘audience’) not to celebrate because Gaethje was unconscious or semi-conscious and his parents were ring-side. Before the fight, if you’re a main pull, you can get pretty much anything. Dana asked Justin what he wanted. Could private jet, could be whatever. He simply requested his parents were there in person. They were there from day one. And this was Covid so it wasn’t a given. Dana told him to say no more. Whatever happens, they’ll be ringside. When Khabib heard about this, given his immense respect for Justin, possibly due to his father’s recent passing, he decided he didn’t want to harm their son in front of them. He told DC in the locker room beforehand that he would triangle choke Justin so as not to cause any serious damage. He goes to sleep, he wakes up. He doesn’t have a broken arm, smeshed face, etc. DC was speechless that at the highest level Khabib was able to say (with zero arrogance or irony) precisely how he was going to finish this fight before spending a second in the cage with Justin. When the inevitable came, Khabib didn’t want Justin’s parents to hear cheering whilst their son was unconscious or semi-conscious so he signalled to his corner. I’m the midst of all his grief he put the elders of the opponent’s side before his own team’s celebrations after weeks of work. For that, I can’t give enough respect.

Justin Gaethje looked like the happiest man in the cage, smiling and hugging Khabib. What a LEGEND 🙌

This one always kills me. And Justin being so compassionate...didn’t expect that. Well done men.

What kills me is being reminded that Khabib had lost his Father prior to this fight but stayed the course. He has my utmost respect.

He felt those leg kicks and decided he had enough. These 2 fighters will never lose my respect. Absolute legends.

Gaethje went from unconscious to hugging the dude that submitted him in 30 seconds. What a class act.

It brings tears to my eyes to see him telling audiences to not cheer after winning. I have tons of respect for this man. I love you my brother!

just beautiful. Not only did he switch to the inverted triangle to avoid breaking Justin's arm in front of his parents, but the inverted triangle was Father's favorite submission. Incredible way to honor his legacy. Thank you Champ.

Khabib is the only fighter to beat the system. Dana, the ref, the commentators, the crowd, the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the UFC were all against Khabib. But he still won in vicious style. No other fighter in UFC history faced that kinda pressure. That’s why Khabib is the GOAT.

Khabib is insane. As a Gaethje fan this was tough to swallow but I got nothing but respect for Khabib’s skill.

The fact that he was able to contain his emotions during battle shows that Khabib is a true warrior at heart. Almost 3 years later and I still feel a part of me shatter seeing a gladiator break down. 100% respect for Khabib.

🦅🦅🦅🦅

I almost cried. What a champion. This really was a battle for the 2 of them. I hope khabib knows his father is smiling at him from paradise.

Man, does anyone notice that Khabib in this fight was in such a mind-set that there was not even the slightest chance of losing, he knew from the first second that this was his last fight, he didn't want to test his opponent like in other fights, he started right away on Justin like a zombie to finish him as soon as possible, complete control over the fight, even during the break between rounds he immediately turned to the referee and urged him to start the second round, he wanted to finish it as soon as possible, that's what he did, incredible level of self-confidence.

These 2 fighters will never lose my respect. Absolute legends

He felt those leg kicks and decided he had enough

The end when he broke down in tears and Justin going over to comfort him is just incredible. That's how it should always be.

What can I say about this fight? Spirit's elevated. Pure sportsmanship and tons of respect. Our highest human values here condensed: family, mutual respect, compassion, top-level sports competition, and gratefulness. RESPECT.

My god, every moment of this fight was firely intense. I gave no experience but i fell like Khabib knew he could take only a few more kicks before it was over and needed to finish it and took his chance with that last kick. Oof god they are both so freaking impressive. Massive respect to both.

Khabib walking straight every now and then into the power zone of the man who is known for landing bombs is just insane 🔥

What a good fight! What great warriors! So much ferocity during fight and yet, so much compassion! ❤️

I have never seen a dominate performance like this in all combat sports. He is the GOAT and no one is close to his legacy

Justin is such a respectable person. After regaining consciousness from being choked out, he immediately goes over to Khabib to comfort him and show respect for the loss of Khabibs father.

Seen this fight many times and it still gets me everytime 🥺

This Man is a Pure Example of Being Kind and Brutal at same time.❤

In his last fight he decided to remind everyone that he can stand and still punch through. He pressed from start to finish. Like a man possessed

Nobody was this brave in front of Justin...and Khabib never lied "he was truly at a different level in fighting IQ"

We will miss you legend 😭😭😭

I thought this would be Khabib's toughest challenge, but he showed there are levels to this game and nobody is close to his.

Красивейший приём. Шикарный боец. Легенда.

What a masterclass performance by Khabib, the moment at the end when Justin Gaethje consoled Khabib was beautiful, what the sport is all about ❤️👏👏👏👏

Khabib is a man of honor, above all else. Congratulations to this champion of a man.

2:14 The way Khabib ran after him keeping the distance very close is incredible. Who does that with heavy strikers?

Wow. I teared up towards the end. What a man. Alhamdullilah!!

In the game of blood, we witnessed a man who never bled. Respect.

That’s gotta be tough to fight without a crowd. More intimate and less adrenaline. You can actually hear every little movement and groan

It’s impressive how people wilt when fighting this man. Nobody has anything for him. If he takes you down, and you have trained for 3 months to stop it, it doesn’t matter. The psychological game he has is unprecedented. He doesn’t have to say anything to you. You know when the bell rings ur done. Best fighter EVER.

A perfect fight between two kings of the ring. Respectable, honorable, yet monstrous fight

Gaethje is literally a legend, went from being asleep to waking up and hugging khabib knowing how he's feeling my utmost respect goes to you justin

Lagrimas de un gran campeon

Two real men right there. Khabib not afraid to show his emotions and Justin not afraid to show compassion and respect to his opponent. Good work boys! 🙂

What a great son.. man the emotions he must be going thru must be so hard for him to accept. Mad respect to gaethje 👍

Gaethje showing such compassion and respect after having lost in such a way is such an inspiring act! shows great character and just the kind of inspiration ppl expect from public figures of great influence. in a world where celebrities mostly glorify being celebrities, this was much needed but even better to be coming from a combat sports!

Единственный чемпион,который достиг таких потрясающих результатов,только уважение inshallah

Khabib mentioned in an interview that he knows Justin is not gonna tap if he pulls up an arm bar, Khabib doesn't wanna break Justin's arm in front of his parents that's why he chose to choke him instead. What a guy.. Great example of an absolute monster but with a huge heart. 💪🙌

It was the toughest moment for Khabib to fight inside the cage without his father, I can feel his emotions

I admire not only the toughness and strength of these athletes but also their humanity in victory or defeat. If only that were more common.

Such a badass performance, khabib went terminator mode and walked him down till he took his soul

Gaethje is a guy who can rip your head off but also comfort and congratulate you post fight, whether he wins or loses, and it's not talked about enough. He is a true fighter and better man

The pressure he puts on Justin, chasing him instantly. This match shows that he means what he says being the best.

Respect to Justin for showing support to the person that just beat him. It's hard losing a loved one, especially someone that close.

Khabib will never be repeated again in this sport. What humility. What personality does this man have. what an athlete and legendary warrior on the pitch. And Justin, what a great gentleman. Respect

This is why I’ve got immense respect for Justin Gaethje because despite almost being choked out, he still walks it off and immediately goes over to Khabib to comfort him

He attempted 2 submissions. The first he would have had an armbar if he had 40 more seconds and the 2nd he secured in 30 seconds and out Justin to sleep in the matter of seconds. Insane

Wow what a beautiful fight... seeing the champ break down is just heart wrenching.. ❤

Действительно легендарный бой. Уважение Джастину и Хабибу!

The way he was kicked in leg, started to fall, and then transfered to takedown is incredible. The speed of doing that is unbelievable

Those two fighters are so noble! Big respect to both!

I love this, This is how every fight should be. Both showing the respect they've earn with hard work.

A lot of respect for dc putting into perfect words , losing his father was so hurtful but it was a distraction that he couldn’t act on immediately , what a way to fuel yourself during a very heavy camp I know for a fact I wouldn’t have been able to pull that off. A lot of fighters have to use that as motivation because when your at a certain level you can’t just back out; you have somehting to fight for at this point 🙏 Much respect to both fighters 💯💯💪💪

What a beautiful moment, so much respect, i admire those fighters

A man who had never bleed in a competition of bloody sport.

We miss khabib😢

Historical fight, watched this many times and still enjoying watching it, proud of Habib.

El Peliador más limpio y respetuoso. Ante todo la salud de los oponentes no quiso comperle el brazo a Justin por q estaba su familia e hijos 😢😮❤❤ kabib inparable 🔥🔥🔥

3:10 that setup into the Khabibs first knee was phenomenal. He conditioned Gaetje to expect punches and grabs, having him always bending forward, then taunted the dude pointing up at his head, before getting him low with the knee. Clean af

Khabib is the pound for pound legend. He had my respect after 20-0. Dudes a legend and won’t be beat. He can come back and still dominate

Gaethje comforting Kabib even after Kabib just put him to sleep is a real sign of humanity. That moment was worth more to me than all the strikes thrown. Gaethje's heart is one of a kind. In fact, there are only a few Americans who remind me that true Americans are good people and Gaethje is one of them.

I look this again, after seeing justin gaethje vs rafael fiziev, just how imagine how strong the Eagle was 🦅

I forgot about this; it made me cry! My condolences Kabib!

Here after Fiziev vs Justin. Khabib is on another level.

Wow una pelea de monstruos pero al mismo tiempo de caballeros!! Khabib es una máquina indestructible! una vez que te agarra no hay escapatoria

"Everybody know his game, everyone know his game plan, but nobody can can stop him" ~Edson Barboza.

Khabib is a living legend that will not be repeated

Even Gaethje lose but for a fighter is an honour to fight Khabib, the last competitive fight in MMA.

Bro that takedown and the entire performance til the end he made it seem way to easy bro that was INSANE grappling holy crap

Two of the greatest embassador's to the sport and such great sportsmanship displayed from both fighters is just inspiring 🤙💯🤙

I was a little worried about Khabib watching this live, but he amazingly pulls of the sub.

Masterclass performance by THE GOAT

Khabib is amazing, but I really like how Justin reacted to his own defeat. Comforting Khabib right away, smiling, celebrating Khabibs victory, just great.

Damn... that got my tears start running... great respect for the champ

My utmost respect goes to this legend

Both fighters have so much respect for each other, nice to see.

Respect to anyone who was even willing to fight Khabib with his record and thinking how they could beat a man who had few if any real weaknesses.

This finish was too beautiful 😍

Khabib is so damn good. Unreal how easily he just whipped Justin. Non stop pursuit. Losing was never possible

That transition as soon as he caught his leg was almost inhuman, like a spider wrapping a fly

Не было и больше видимо не будет такого величайшего бойца как Хабиб . Полное доминирование в любом бое . Просто без шансов ,для любого соперника . Физика на феноменальном уровне . Это не человек . Человек не может так не уставать . Повторюсь ,величайший боец .

Both fighters are pure class, much respect

Khabib, best athlete of all time, any sport. A living legend.

Leyenda 🙌🏻

Everyone thought Justin would give him a lot of trouble do to his striking and geound game I respect JG but Khabib absolutely dominated him with high fashion. Khabib is truly on a Different level no doubt about it the GOAT even with the loss of his father he walked in there like a men on a mission. Dude is to admire

Just watched gaethje vs fiziev. I saw fiziev always put the pressure on gaethje, but justin seems okay and never turn to a red mode like khabib did to him. Khabib seems so efortless in this fight

I've never seen someone losing a fight as happy as Gaethje. My deepest respect for him.

"He was unbeatable that night..on that night, he was the best on the planet" Justin Gaethje, post-fight interview

Bro no joke, khabib couldve stayed undefeated for another 30 fights if he wanted. He beat the best at the end of his career without losing a single round. He already was the best grappler of all by faaaar and his stand up game became better and better with every fight. Nobody couldve taken the belt from him

Man the sad truth about Khabib's retirement is he schooled Conor,Dustin and Justin he looked so invincible in his last fights and another sad truth is he could still comeback and beat many tough guys so i hope he comesback to make it 30-0 inshaallah 💗

Justin is a warrior with the heart of a saint, respect to this guy.

Damn theee Gaethje punches seem so deadly, never seen ones like these, and Khabib just eats them and goes through,, crazy

Two competitors, two amazing men showing all of MMA how one should be in victory and defeat. I have a lot to learn.