Top 5 Moments in 2020 Sports

Khabib’s Nurmagomedov’s Farewell
By Dariush Nashat

As one of the few fighters of all time in martial arts to unanimously humble every opponent, Russian fighter, Khabib Nurmagomedov, dominated UFC’s lightweight division for several years. His success against world-class fighters such as Connor McGregor is admirable, but his class is what made him unique; “I don’t fight for the money… I fight for my people,” Khabib expressed in an interview.
At the heart of Khabib’s career was his father and coach, Abdulmanap, who’s legacy as a coach placed him as a pioneer in the sport before having even trained his son. Abdulmanap’s unfortunate death at the start of the year due to the coronavirus marked an incredible loss to the sport and the end of the path for Khabib. Feeling that he could no longer continue fighting without his father, the lightweight champion announced his retirement immediately after defeating Justin Gaethje on October 24, 2020. With a touching yet powerful ending to his career, Khabib’s flawless record of 29-0-0 makes him a legend and arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all time.

Dodgers Win the World Series First Time Since 1988
By Caroline Blum

On Tuesday October 27th, in Arlington, Texas the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series, with an unexpected series record of 3-1. This World Series was different than most years as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. There was a very limited number of people who
could attend unlike past years when there has been a full crowded stadium. Their starting third baseman also received a positive Covid-19 test in the middle of the game, and was pulled prior to the 8th inning.
The Dodgers have been in the World Series 20 times but have not won since 1988. Dodgers shortstop, Corey Seager said, “This team was incredible all throughout the year, all throughout the postseason, all throughout the quarantine.” Corey Seager also won World Series MVP. The Dodgers had the best season in baseball history, finishing with a 116-46 regular season record. They also ended the offseason with an impressive 13-5 record. Their 13 postseason wins were the most in history. Throughout all the struggles faced this season the Dodgers were able to accomplish an unforgettable win at the World Series.

Tom Brady’s Farewell
By Shayan Bakhtyari

It has truly been a sad season for Patriot fans. Not only has the team had an atrocious performance, finishing with a record of 6-8, but it has also been the first season without their beloved quarterback, Tom Brady. Ever since taking over for Drew Bledsoe in 2001, Brady has cemented himself in football history, winning three NFL MVP awards, four Super Bowl MVPs, and six Super Bowl championships. The patriots had the rest of America hating them as they were constantly reaching new heights and breaking records. Nobody had thought that Brady would leave; the only realistic end to his time with the patriots, to most fans, was retirement. But this 43 year old had larger dreams in mind. Tom Brady declined an offer from the Patriots for $25 million per season for two years and chose to make his way down south for a deal with the Buccaneers for a two year, $100 million contract. Many think that this decision was to create a larger crowd for the TB12 brand, but we will never know. Tom Brady may or may not play his final few seasons for the Bucs, but one thing is for sure: he will always be a Patriot.

Patrick Mahomes Leads Chiefs to Super Bowl Win
By Eben Baring-Gould

In just his third year in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a stunning 12-1 regular-season record. The Chiefs’ success continued into the playoffs, making it all the way to the Super Bowl. There, Mahomes and the Chiefs faced off against the San Francisco 49ers, led by star quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

The 49er’s impeccable defense put a stop to the Chiefs’ momentum, and with roughly five minutes left in the 3rd quarter, the Chiefs were losing by ten points. It seemed as though the 49ers had the game in the bag. However, with 6:13 to go in the game, Mahomes hit tight-end Travis Kelce in the end-zone, cutting it to a three-point game. Then with less than three minutes remaining, Mahomes found running back Damien Williams, leading to a five-yard touchdown. Finally, with a 38-yard touchdown run from Williams, with 1:12 left, the Chiefs sealed the deal, making the final score 31-20. With the win, Mahomes became the youngest player in NFL history to win Super Bowl MVP and the second-youngest quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory

“We never give up,” Mahomes later said in an interview with CNN. No statement could be more representative of their performance. The Chiefs’ determination to win, when all hope seemed lost, truly makes a memorable moment in NFL history.