One of the most dominant forces in the UFC's lightweight division will be honored for his efforts. The promotion announced Saturday at UFC 272 that Khabib Nurmagomedov will headline its 2022 Hall of Fame class.
The induction ceremony will take place during International Fight Week, which this year will run from June 27 through July 3 in Las Vegas. Fight Week will conclude with UFC 276 on July 3 at T-Mobile Arena.
MORE: When is UFC International Fight Week 2022?
"Khabib is one of the greatest athletes to ever compete in professional sports," UFC president Dana White said. "No one dominated their opponents that way Khabib did, and to retire undefeated, as lightweight champion and the No. 1 pound-for-pound athlete in the world is an incredible accomplishment. It will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer."
A look at @TeamKhabib’s road to the UFC Hall of Fame 🏆
— UFC (@ufc) March 6, 2022
[ #UFCHOF | Hall of Fame Presented by @ToyoTires ] pic.twitter.com/fGEM0SZVuS
A two-time Sambo world champion, Nurmagomedov made his pro debut in 2008 and joined the UFC in 2012. The fighter from Dagestan retired 13-0 with the promotion. He beat Al Iaquinta for the UFC lightweight title in 2018 and defended the belt three times. His last fight was a submission win in October 2020 over Justin Gaethje. After the fight, he put his gloves in the center of the Octagon, cementing his retirement.
One of his memorable rivalries was with Conor McGregor. Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor in 2018 at UFC 229 after months of tension. Before and after the fight, there were brawls involving the fighters' teams.
Nurmagomedov holds the UFC record for most takedowns in a single bout with 21, and he landed 59 takedowns, second-most in UFC lightweight history. He retired at 29-0 following the death of his father and mentor, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Since retiring, Nurmagomedov has been a coach to young fighters, including Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov. He also is the owner of Eagle Fighting Championship.