Khabib Nurmagomedov "100% retired" confirms UFC president Dana White

The 32-year-old Russian had already announced his retirement after securing victory against Justin Gaethje in October last year at UFC 254, to ensure a perfect 29-0 winning record for the lightweight fighter.

White had been reluctant to confirm his star fighter had definitely brought his career to a close, and was not yet ready to give any other fighters the chance to win his belt.

Reports suggest that White is now ready to make a fight between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler at UFC 262 on May 15. The fight would then decide who claims the title, which is now vacant.

"29-0 it is. He is 100% officially retired. It was incredible to watch you work @TeamKhabib thank you for EVERYTHING and enjoy whatever is next my friend," White said on Twitter.

Nurmagomedov retired after promising his mother that he would bring his career to a close after his 29th fight, after the death of his father Abdulmanap. White had attempted coax the fighter back into the Octagon but has admiited defeat, for now at least.