Khabib Nurmagomedov: The Untouchable MMA Legend

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

Let’s talk about one of the greatest fighters to ever step inside the octagon—Khabib Nurmagomedov. This Russian MMA powerhouse has a net worth of $40 million, and he earned every penny of it. Khabib retired in 2020 with an undefeated record of 29 wins and zero losses. He wasn’t just a contender—he was the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, holding that title from 2018 until he walked away from the sport. Many consider him the best pound-for-pound fighter in UFC history, and there’s a reason for that. He’s not just a fighter; he’s a legend.

Khabib isn’t just about the money or the fame. He’s an ethnic Muslim Avar from Dagestan, Russia, where his fighting style was forged in the crucible of grappling, sambo, and wrestling. Today, he’s one of the most recognizable Russians in the world, boasting over 24 million followers on Instagram. But it wasn’t always about the numbers—it was about the heart, the grit, and the sheer determination to be the best.

Career Earnings: How Much Did Khabib Make in the Octagon?

Khabib’s career earnings are nothing short of jaw-dropping. Over the years, he earned a total of $14.77 million in the UFC. Now, that might sound like a lot, but here’s the kicker—most of that money came from his last two fights. Let’s break it down for you:

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Back in 2014, Khabib earned $64,000 for beating Rafael dos Anjos. That might not seem like much now, but it was a start. He walked away with $32,000 for showing up and another $32,000 as a win bonus. But hey, every penny counts when you’re building a legacy.

In 2016, things started picking up. Khabib earned $135,000 for defeating Darrell Horcher. He got $65,000 just for stepping into the octagon, another $65,000 for the win, and an extra $5,000 promotional bonus. Not bad, right?

Also in 2016, Khabib earned $170,000 for beating Michael Johnson at UFC 205. He walked away with a guaranteed payout of $80,000, a win bonus of $80,000, and an additional $10,000 promotional bonus. It was a step in the right direction.

In 2017, Khabib’s earnings climbed to $230,000 after defeating Edson Barboza at UFC 219. That included a base payout of $85,000, a win bonus of $85,000, a promotional bonus of $10,000, and a performance bonus of $50,000. The man was on fire.

For his next fight in 2018, Khabib earned $530,000 for beating Iaquinta. That included a $500,000 guaranteed payout and a $30,000 fight week incentive. It was a big step up, but it was just the beginning.

After beating Conor McGregor later in 2018, Khabib earned a whopping $1,540,000. That included a $2 million payout for showing up and a $40,000 incentive. However, due to a post-fight incident, he was fined $500,000, leaving him with $1,540,000. Still, not too shabby.

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Then came 2019, when Khabib walked away with $6,090,000 after defeating Dustin Poirier. That included a $6 million guaranteed payout and bonuses totaling $90,000. And in 2020, Khabib earned the same amount after beating Justin Gaethje, although some reports suggest he made even more, capping off his career with a record-breaking payday.

Early Life: How It All Began

Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov was born on September 20, 1988, in Sildi, Dagestan ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union. From the moment he took his first breath, wrestling was in his blood. Under the guidance of his father, Khabib learned the art of wrestling from an early age. His training wasn’t conventional—he even wrestled with bears as part of his unorthodox regimen. When his family moved to Makhachkala, Khabib started training in judo at the age of 15. It was clear from the start that this kid was destined for greatness.

MMA Career: The Journey to the Top

Khabib’s MMA career kicked off in 2008 when he began competing in Russia. He quickly racked up an impressive 16-0 record in Russia and Ukraine, catching the attention of the UFC. In 2011, Khabib made the leap to the UFC, and his first fight came in 2012 against Kamal Shalorus. Over the next few years, he dismantled fighters like Gleison Tibau, Thiago Tavares, Abel Trujillo, and Pat Healy, often through technical knockouts and submissions.

After beating Rafael dos Anjos in 2014, Khabib started making waves. He defeated Darrell Horcher, Michael Johnson, and Edson Barboza before finally getting his shot at the title against Al Iaquinta. Victory was his, and he became the new UFC Lightweight Champion. Over the next few years, Khabib successfully defended his title against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. Despite numerous attempts, he never faced Tony Ferguson, another top Lightweight contender. But hey, you can’t win ‘em all.

Fighting Style: What Makes Khabib So Special?

Khabib’s fighting style is all about his wrestling game. He takes his opponent down and ties them up, preventing them from using their arms and legs while striking them with relentless precision. It’s not just about the physicality—it’s about the mental game too. Khabib is known for talking to his opponents while they’re trapped in his grappling technique. It’s a psychological warfare that makes him almost impossible to beat.

Controversy: The Dark Side of Glory

No fighter’s career is without its bumps, and Khabib’s was no exception. In 2018, Khabib and his team were attacked by Conor McGregor at the Barclays Center in New York City. McGregor threw a metal dolly at the bus they were sitting in, shattering the windows and injuring Michael Chiesa and Ray Borg. McGregor was seeking revenge for an earlier altercation where Khabib and his crew assaulted Artem Lobov, McGregor’s close friend. After McGregor fled, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He eventually turned himself in and faced multiple charges.

After Khabib defeated McGregor in 2018, he jumped over the octagon fence and assaulted Dillon Danis, McGregor’s cornerman. A massive brawl broke out, and McGregor attempted to leave the octagon but was charged by Khabib’s cousin. McGregor was then attacked from behind by two of Nurmagomedov’s cornermen. The aftermath? Khabib’s payment for the fight was withheld. Although his $2 million payout was eventually released, he had to pay a $500,000 fine and was suspended from the UFC for nine months. McGregor faced a $50,000 fine and a six-month suspension. It was a messy end to an incredible fight, but that’s the life of a champion.