Khabib Nurmagomedov Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Khabib Nurmagomedov: Net Worth, Salary, and Career Earnings

A Russian mixed martial artist, Khabib Nurmagomedov has amassed a net worth of $40 million. Often hailed as one of the finest fighters to ever compete in the octagon, Khabib retired from the UFC in 2020 with an unblemished record of 29 victories and no defeats. He was the UFC Lightweight Champion for the longest duration, having held the title from 2018 until his retirement in 2020.

Numerous sources have named Nurmagomedov the best pound-for-pound fighter in the history of the UFC, as well as the greatest lightweight fighter ever. An ethnic Muslim Avar hailing from Dagestan, Russia, Khabib’s fighting technique is largely based on grappling, sambo, and wrestling. Today, he ranks among the most recognizable Russians globally, boasting over 24 million followers on Instagram.

Career Earnings Overview

Throughout his MMA career, Khabib has accumulated an impressive total of $14,770,000 in earnings. While this may seem substantial, it’s essential to recognize that a significant portion of this came from his last two fights. Below is a detailed summary of Nurmagomedov’s earnings across his career:

In 2014, Khabib earned a total of $64,000 for his matchup against Rafael dos Anjos, receiving $32,000 for showing up and an additional $32,000 as a win bonus.

During 2016, after defeating Darrell Horcher, his earnings totaled $135,000, consisting of $65,000 for appearance, another $65,000 as a win bonus, and a $5,000 promotional bonus.

In the same year, Khabib earned $170,000 after conquering Michael Johnson at UFC 205, which included a guaranteed payout of $80,000, an $80,000 win bonus, and a $10,000 promotional bonus.

In 2017, Khabib secured $230,000 by defeating Edson Barboza at UFC 219, which comprised a base payout of $85,000, a win bonus of $85,000, a $10,000 promotional bonus, and a performance bonus of $50,000.

For his next fight against Iaquinta in 2018, Nurmagomedov’s earnings reached $530,000, made up of a guaranteed payout of $500,000 alongside a $30,000 fight-week incentive.

Following his victory over Conor McGregor later in 2018, Khabib earned a total of $1,540,000. This included $2,000,000 for showing up plus a $40,000 incentive; however, he faced a $500,000 fine after a post-fight incident, resulting in a final total of $1,540,000.

After his win against Poirier in 2019, Khabib took home $6,090,000, which consisted of a guaranteed payout of $6 million plus bonuses totaling $90,000.

In 2020, after defeating Gaethje, Nurmagomedov received the same amount of $6.09 million, although some reports suggested he earned more than in his previous bout, achieving a career-high before retiring.

Early Life of Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov was born on September 20, 1988, in Sildi, Dagestan ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union. From a very young age, Khabib embarked on his journey in wrestling under the guidance of his father,Nurmagomedov engaged in unconventional training methods, including wrestling with bears. At the age of 15, after moving to Makhachkala, Khabib began his judo training.

MMA Career

Launching his MMA career in 2008 in Russia, Nurmagomedov achieved a record of 16-0 in Russia and Ukraine before transitioning to the UFC in 2011. His debut fight took place in 2012 against Kamal Shalorus. In the subsequent years, he triumphed over notable opponents including Gleison Tibau, Thiago Tavares, Abel Trujillo, and Pat Healy, primarily through TKOs and submissions.

Following his victory over Rafael dos Anjos in 2014, Nurmagomedov started to pursue a title shot. He secured wins against Darrell Horcher, Michael Johnson, and Edson Barboza, ultimately earning a title fight against Al Iaquinta. Winning that match allowed him to become the new UFC Lightweight Champion. He successfully defended his title against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje in the following years. In 2020, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement, and it is worth mentioning that he has never fought Tony Ferguson, a significant Lightweight title challenger, despite multiple failed match arrangements.

Fighting Style

Khabib confidently employs his wrestling skills regardless of his opponent. Once he takes an opponent down, Nurmagomedov ensures that they cannot use their arms and legs, while striking them, leaving them unable to defend effectively. He is also recognized for communicating with his opponents during grappling exchanges.

Controversy

In 2018, while seated on a bus at the Barclays Center in New York City, Khabib and several other fighters were attacked by Conor McGregor. McGregor threw a metal dolly at the bus, injuring both Michael Chiesa and Ray Borg as the windows shattered. This attack appeared to be retaliation for a previous incident where Nurmagomedov and his associates assaulted Artem Lobov, a close friend of McGregor. Following the attack, McGregor fled the scene, resulting in a warrant issued for his arrest. He later surrendered, facing three counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief.

After Khabib’s victory over McGregor in 2018, he leapt over the octagon fence to confront Dillon Danis, McGregor’s cornerman. As McGregor attempted to exit the octagon amidst escalating chaos, he was cornered by Khabib’s cousin. The situation escalated into a brawl, during which McGregor was attacked from behind by two of Nurmagomedov’s cornermen. Eventually, following the altercation, Khabib’s fight earnings were withheld. While his $2 million payout was ultimately released, Nurmagomedov faced a $500,000 fine and a nine-month suspension from the UFC. McGregor was also fined $50,000 and received a six-month suspension.