Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of MMA’s most iconic figures. The retired Russian fighter has an estimated net worth of $40 million, a testament to his extraordinary career and global influence.
Renowned for his unblemished record of 29 victories and zero defeats, Khabib’s reign in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) cemented his legacy as one of the greatest mixed martial artists in history.
He was the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, holding the title from 2018 until his retirement in 2020.
Many analysts and fans alike consider him the greatest lightweight fighter of all time, and even the best pound-for-pound athlete the sport has ever produced.
Born and raised in Dagestan, Russia, Khabib’s heritage as an ethnic Avar and devout Muslim shaped his discipline, humility, and unwavering focus.
His fighting style — built upon sambo, wrestling, and relentless grappling — became the foundation of his unmatched success. Today, Khabib remains one of the most followed athletes in the world, boasting over 24 million Instagram followers.
Career Earnings And Salary Overview
Throughout his illustrious career, Khabib Nurmagomedov amassed more than $14.77 million in official fight purses, not including sponsorship deals, endorsements, and business ventures.
While his total earnings are remarkable, the majority of his wealth was accumulated during his final few UFC bouts, where he became both a global superstar and one of the organization’s highest-paid fighters.
Below is a detailed overview of Khabib’s most notable UFC paydays:
2014: Khabib earned a total of $64,000 after defeating Rafael dos Anjos — $32,000 for showing and another $32,000 as a win bonus.
2016: Against Darrell Horcher, he took home $135,000 — including $65,000 to show, $65,000 for winning, and a $5,000 promotional bonus.
Later that year, he defeated Michael Johnson at UFC 205, pocketing $170,000 ($80,000 base pay, $80,000 win bonus, and $10,000 promotional bonus).
2017: Khabib earned $230,000 from his victory over Edson Barboza at UFC 219, which included a $50,000 performance bonus.
2018: His title-winning bout against Al Iaquinta earned him $530,000, including a $500,000 guarantee and $30,000 in incentives.
Later that same year, his explosive win over Conor McGregor brought in $2 million to show, plus bonuses. However, following post-fight controversies, he was fined $500,000, leaving him with approximately $1.54 million.
2019: His title defense against Dustin Poirier earned Khabib a staggering $6.09 million in guaranteed payouts and bonuses.
2020: His final career bout, a dominant win over Justin Gaethje, netted him another $6.09 million — reportedly his career-high payday before announcing his retirement.
Khabib’s disciplined approach to money — avoiding extravagant purchases and focusing on business ventures — has helped him sustain and grow his wealth even after stepping away from active competition.
Early Life And Background
Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov was born on September 20, 1988, in Sildi, Dagestan ASSR, within the Russian SFSR of the former Soviet Union.
Raised in a modest family under the strict guidance of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib was introduced to wrestling at an exceptionally young age.
Training often took unconventional forms — including wrestling with bears as a child — reflecting his father’s rigorous, unorthodox coaching methods.
After relocating to Makhachkala, he began training in judo at the age of 15 and combat sambo shortly thereafter. These foundations became the core of his fighting philosophy — one centered on control, pressure, and discipline.
Rise To MMA Stardom
Khabib’s professional MMA career began in 2008, competing across various promotions in Russia and Ukraine. He quickly established an undefeated record of 16-0 before signing with the UFC in 2011.
His debut came in January 2012, when he defeated Kamal Shalorus. Over the next several years, he dominated opponents such as Gleison Tibau, Thiago Tavares, Abel Trujillo, and Pat Healy, displaying a blend of relentless grappling and unmatched endurance.
In 2014, Khabib’s victory over Rafael dos Anjos solidified his position as a legitimate title contender. Following wins over Darrell Horcher, Michael Johnson, and Edson Barboza, he finally secured his long-awaited championship opportunity.
Defeating Al Iaquinta in 2018, Khabib became the UFC Lightweight Champion, a title he defended with dominance against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje — three of the most iconic fights in UFC history.
His emotional retirement in 2020, following his father’s death, marked the end of an era — leaving behind a perfect 29–0 record.
Interestingly, despite multiple scheduled matchups, Khabib never faced Tony Ferguson, a fight fans long considered the “greatest that never happened.”
Fighting Style And Philosophy
Khabib’s fighting style is universally recognized for its grappling mastery and suffocating control.
Once he brings opponents to the mat, he neutralizes their movements, using body positioning and pressure to restrict both arms and legs — often while delivering strikes and verbal taunts mid-fight.
His signature approach, combining wrestling, judo, and sambo, is built around complete dominance rather than quick finishes.
Fighters have frequently described his ground control as “inescapable,” a technical and psychological advantage that helped him maintain his legendary unbeaten streak.
Controversies And Public Feuds
Khabib’s career, while highly disciplined, was not without drama. One of the most infamous incidents occurred in 2018, when Conor McGregor attacked a bus carrying Khabib and other fighters at the Barclays Center in New York City.
McGregor hurled a metal dolly through the bus window, injuring multiple people — an act motivated by tensions between the two camps after Khabib’s confrontation with McGregor’s close associate, Artem Lobov.
After McGregor’s arrest, the rivalry culminated in one of the most anticipated fights in UFC history.
Following Khabib’s victory over McGregor, chaos ensued: he leapt over the cage to attack Dillon Danis, McGregor’s cornerman, triggering an all-out brawl between both teams.
The Nevada Athletic Commission withheld Khabib’s $2 million fight purse, later releasing it after he paid a $500,000 fine and accepted a nine-month suspension.
McGregor received a $50,000 fine and a six-month suspension. Despite the controversy, the event became one of the most-watched pay-per-views in UFC history, further elevating Khabib’s profile.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Net Worth Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov |
| Date of Birth | September 20, 1988 |
| Nationality | Russian (Dagestan) |
| Profession | Retired MMA Fighter, Coach, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth (2025) | $40 million |
| Career Earnings (UFC) | $14.77 million+ |
| Retired Record | 29–0 (Undefeated) |
| Major Titles | UFC Lightweight Champion (2018–2020) |
| Religion/Ethnicity | Muslim, Avar (Dagestan) |
| Instagram Followers | 24 million+ |
FAQ
What Was Khabib’s Highest Career Payday?
Khabib’s fights against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje each earned him around $6.09 million, marking his peak UFC earnings.
Why Did Khabib Retire Undefeated?
He retired in 2020 after promising his late father never to continue fighting without him, ending his career with a perfect 29–0 record.
What Is Khabib Doing After Retirement?
Since retiring, Khabib has focused on coaching, business ventures, and mentoring young fighters under his training promotion, Eagle FC.