Khabib Nurmagomedov Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Net Worth, Salary, and Career Earnings?

A Russian mixed martial artist, Khabib Nurmagomedov has a net worth that is estimated at $40 million. He is often hailed as one of the greatest fighters to have ever entered the octagon, concluding his MMA career with an unblemished record of 29 victories and no defeats before retiring from the UFC in 2020. During his reign from 2018 until his retirement, he held the title of UFC Lightweight Champion for the longest duration.

Considered by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in UFC history and the greatest lightweight fighter ever, Khabib, an ethnic Muslim Avar from Dagestan, Russia, relied heavily on grappling, wrestling, and sambo in his fighting style. Today, he boasts over 24 million Instagram followers, making him one of the most recognized Russian figures globally.

Career Earnings

Throughout his MMA career, Khabib has amassed a remarkable total of $14,770,000 in earnings. While this figure is substantial, it’s noteworthy that a significant portion was accrued during his final two bouts. Below is a summary of Nurmagomedov’s earnings across various fights over the years:

In 2014, Khabib garnered total prize money of $64,000 from his match against Rafael dos Anjos, which included $32,000 for appearing and an additional $32,000 as a win bonus.

In 2016, following his victory over Darrell Horcher, he earned $135,000, which comprised $65,000 for showing up, $65,000 as a win bonus, and a promotional bonus of $5,000.

Also in 2016, Khabib made $170,000 from defeating Michael Johnson at UFC 205—$80,000 guaranteed, $80,000 as a win bonus, and $10,000 for promotional efforts.

In 2017, after his match against Edson Barboza at UFC 219, Khabib took home $230,000, which included a base payout of $85,000, a win bonus of $85,000, a $10,000 promotional bonus, and a performance bonus of $50,000.

His next fight against Iaquinta in 2018 earned him $530,000, consisting of a $500,000 guaranteed payout and a $30,000 fight week incentive.

Khabib’s fight against Conor McGregor in late 2018 netted him $1,540,000, which included a $2,000,000 show-up fee, plus a $40,000 incentive. However, he faced a $500,000 fine due to a post-fight incident, which adjusted his total to $1,540,000.

Following his bout with Poirier in 2019, Khabib received $6,090,000 comprising a $6 million guaranteed payout alongside $90,000 in bonuses.

In 2020, Khabib earned the same amount of $6.09 million after defeating Gaethje; although some reports suggest he may have earned slightly more than in his previous fight, contributing to a career-high earnings sum before his retirement.

Early Life

Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov was born on September 20, 1988, in Sildi, within the Dagestan ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union. From an early age, Khabib began his wrestling education under his father’s guidance,

Unorthodox training methods, such as wrestling with bears, were part of Nurmagomedov’s preparation. At the age of 15, after moving to Makhachkala, Khabib began his judo training.

MMA Career

In 2008, Nurmagomedov launched his MMA career in Russia. After achieving a record of 16-0 in Russia and Ukraine, he joined the UFC in 2011. His debut fight took place in 2012 against Kamal Shalorus. In the ensuing years, he vanquished opponents such as Gleison Tibau, Thiago Tavares, Abel Trujillo, and Pat Healy, primarily through TKOs and submissions.

Following his victory over Rafael dos Anjos in 2014, Nurmagomedov aimed for a title shot. He secured wins against Darrell Horcher, Michael Johnson, and Edson Barboza, culminating in a title match against Al Iaquinta, which he won to become the new UFC Lightweight Champion. Subsequently, Khabib defended his title successfully against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. In 2020, he announced his retirement. Interestingly, despite several attempts, Khabib has never faced Tony Ferguson, a prominent contender for the Lightweight title.

Fighting Style

Khabib consistently relies on his wrestling skills, regardless of his opponent. Once he brings them down, Nurmagomedov restricts their ability to use their arms and legs to strike back, leaving them defenseless. He is also known for engaging in conversation with his opponents while they are ensnared in his grappling techniques.

Controversy

In 2018, while at the Barclays Center in New York City, Khabib and several fellow fighters were attacked by Conor McGregor, who hurled a metal dolly at their bus, causing windows to shatter and injuring both Michael Chiesa and Ray Borg. McGregor’s actions were purportedly in retaliation for an earlier incident where Nurmagomedov and his associates attacked Artem Lobov, a close friend of McGregor. Following the incident, a warrant for McGregor’s arrest was issued; he later turned himself in and faced charges including three counts of assault and a charge of criminal mischief.

After Khabib triumphed over McGregor in 2018, he leaped over the octagon fence to confront Dillon Danis, McGregor’s cornerman. As a massive brawl ensued, McGregor attempted to exit the octagon but was intercepted by Khabib’s cousin. After they exchanged blows, Conor was assaulted from behind by two of Nurmagomedov’s cornermen. Once the melee subsided, Khabib’s fight payment was withheld. Eventually, his $2 million payout was released, but he was fined $500,000 and suspended from the UFC for nine months. McGregor also faced consequences, receiving a $50,000 fine and a six-month suspension.