Khabib Nurmagomedov Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Net Worth, Salary, and Career Earnings: What Are They?

A mixed martial artist from Russia, Khabib Nurmagomedov boasts a net worth estimated at $40 million. He is widely considered one of the greatest fighters in the history of the octagon, having achieved an impeccable record of 29 victories and no defeats before his retirement from the UFC in 2020. Khabib held the UFC Lightweight title from 2018 until his retirement, making him the longest-reigning champion in that division.

Numerous sources have esteemed Nurmagomedov as the top pound-for-pound fighter in UFC history as well as the greatest lightweight fighter of all time. Hailing from Dagestan, Russia, Khabib is an ethnic Muslim Avar. His fighting technique heavily incorporates elements of grappling, sambo, and wrestling. Today, he ranks among the most recognizable Russians globally, with over 24 million followers on Instagram.

Career Earnings Overview

Throughout his MMA journey, Khabib has amassed an astonishing total of $14,770,000 in earnings. Although this figure may seem significant, a large portion of his income was generated from his last two bouts. Below is a summary of Nurmagomedov’s earnings from various encounters over the years:

In 2014, he garnered a total of $64,000 after facing Rafael dos Anjos, which included $32,000 for show and $32,000 as a victory bonus.

In 2016, following his victory over Darrell Horcher, Khabib was awarded $135,000—$65,000 for showing up, another $65,000 as a win bonus, and an additional $5,000 as a promotional bonus.

Also in 2016, Khabib earned $170,000 for defeating Michael Johnson at UFC 205, receiving a guaranteed $80,000, $80,000 as a win bonus, along with a $10,000 promotional bonus.

In his 2017 bout with Edson Barboza at UFC 219, Khabib took home $230,000, comprising a base payout of $85,000, an $85,000 win bonus, a $10,000 promotional bonus, and a performance bonus of $50,000.

For his next fight in 2018, Nurmagomedov’s income totaled $530,000, which included a guaranteed payout of $500,000 and a $30,000 fight week incentive for his triumph over Iaquinta.

After defeating Conor McGregor later that year, Khabib’s earnings reached $1,540,000, consisting of $2,000,000 for showing up and a $40,000 incentive. However, he faced a $500,000 fine due to an incident after the fight, leading to an adjusted total of $1,540,000.

After his victory against Poirier in 2019, Khabib’s earnings amounted to $6,090,000, including a guaranteed payout of $6 million and bonuses of $90,000.

In 2020, after defeating Gaethje, Nurmagomedov earned exactly $6.09 million, although some reports indicate that he might have received more than that, marking a career-high payout before his retirement.

Early Life Background

On September 20, 1988, Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov was born in Sildi, Dagestan ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union. From a very young age, Khabib began his wrestling training, learning under the guidance of his father,Nurmagomedov engaged in unconventional training methods, including wrestling with bears. When he moved to Makhachkala, Khabib began practicing judo at the age of 15.

MMA Career

Starting in 2008, Nurmagomedov’s MMA journey kicked off in Russia. After achieving an impressive 16-0 record across Russia and Ukraine, Khabib joined the UFC in 2011. His inaugural fight took place in 2012 against Kamal Shalorus. In the following years, he triumphed over opponents such as Gleison Tibau, Thiago Tavares, Abel Trujillo, and Pat Healy, primarily via TKOs and submissions.

Upon defeating Rafael dos Anjos in 2014, Nurmagomedov began his quest for a title shot. He secured victories against Darrell Horcher, Michael Johnson, and Edson Barboza before finally earning a title opportunity against Al Iaquinta. Khabib won this match, claiming the title of UFC Lightweight Champion. In the following years, he successfully defended his title against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. In 2020, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement. Notably, despite several failed attempts to schedule a match, Khabib has never faced Tony Ferguson, another top contender in the Lightweight division.

Fighting Style

No matter the opponent, Khabib consistently utilizes his wrestling skills. Once he takes an opponent down, Nurmagomedov disables their ability to use their arms and legs, allowing him to strike without them being able to defend. He is also famous for communicating with his opponents while they are ensnared by his grappling techniques.

Controversy

In 2018, while at the Barclays Center in New York City, Khabib and several other fighters were attacked by Conor McGregor while sitting on a bus. McGregor hurled a metal dolly at the vehicle, breaking windows and injuring both Michael Chiesa and Ray Borg. His actions were reportedly an act of revenge against Khabib related to a prior incident where Nurmagomedov and his friends confronted Artem Lobov, who is McGregor’s close friend. Following McGregor’s escape, a warrant for his arrest was issued, and he later surrendered, facing three counts of assault along with one count of criminal mischief.

After Khabib’s victory over McGregor in 2018, he leaped over the octagon fence and attacked Dillon Danis, a member of Conor’s team. As a massive brawl erupted, McGregor tried to exit the octagon, but Khabib’s cousin confronted him. Following their exchange, Conor was ambushed from behind by two of Nurmagomedov’s corner members. When order was restored, Khabib’s fight earnings were initially withheld. Although the $2 million payout was ultimately released, Nurmagomedov received a $500,000 fine and a nine-month suspension from the UFC, whereas McGregor faced a $50,000 fine and a six-month suspension.