Khabib after White confirms retirement: 'I hope you will accept my decision'

Khabib Nurmagomedov has made his first public statement since UFC president Dana White officially acknowledged the lightweight champion's retirement and ended his efforts to lure him back into the Octagon.

"Dana White, thank you so much brother and the entire UFC team for the opportunity to prove myself," Nurmagomedov wrote in an Instagram post on Friday. "You guys have changed many (lives) forever because of this sport."

He added: "Thank you to all (my) team, (sparring) partners, and all fans. I hope you will accept my decision and understand me."

White announced in a tweet Thursday night that Nurmagomedov is "officially retired."

Nurmagomedov said he was departing the sport following a successful title defense against Justin Gaethje in October, but White remained optimistic that "The Eagle" would return to the cage for one more fight in pursuit of a 30-0 record.

Despite White's efforts, Nurmagomedov maintained that retirement is the right decision and that he's not focused on a return.

The 32-year-old is widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time and is arguably the most dominant fighter in MMA history. He won the lightweight title in 2018 and defended it three times against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Gaethje, finishing all three opponents. Nurmagomedov went 13-0 in the UFC.

The vacant lightweight title will reportedly be up for grabs at UFC 262 on May 15, with Charles Oliveira facing off against Michael Chandler to determine the new champion.