Khabib Nurmagomedov, a Russian mixed martial artist, boasts a staggering net worth of $40 million as of 2025, making him one of the wealthiest and most celebrated figures in combat sports. At the age of 36, Khabib remains a global icon, revered for his undefeated UFC record of 29-0 and his dominance as the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion from 2018 to 2020. But how did this legendary athlete achieve such success? Let’s dive into his earnings, career, and unmatched legacy.
How Did Khabib Nurmagomedov Earn His Wealth?
Khabib’s wealth stems primarily from his illustrious career in mixed martial arts, where he dominated the lightweight division. Beyond fighting, his endorsements, business ventures, and massive social media following—over 24 million Instagram followers—further contributed to his fortune. However, a significant portion of his earnings came from just a handful of fights in the UFC.
What Are Khabib’s Career Earnings?
Throughout his career, Khabib earned approximately $14.77 million from fighting alone, with the majority of his income derived from his last two UFC bouts. Here’s a breakdown of his career earnings:
- 2014: Khabib earned $64,000 for his victory against Rafael dos Anjos, including $32,000 for showing up and a $32,000 win bonus.
- 2016: He pocketed $135,000 after defeating Darrell Horcher, earning $65,000 each for showing and his win bonus, alongside a $5,000 promotional incentive.
- 2016 (UFC 205): A win against Michael Johnson earned him $170,000, which included $80,000 guaranteed, an $80,000 win bonus, and a $10,000 promotional bonus.
- 2017 (UFC 219): He earned $230,000 after beating Edson Barboza, including $85,000 guaranteed, an $85,000 win bonus, $10,000 promotional bonus, and a $50,000 performance bonus.
- 2018: For his title fight victory over Al Iaquinta, Khabib secured $530,000, which included a $500,000 guaranteed payout and a $30,000 fight week incentive.
- 2018 (Conor McGregor Fight): In his iconic victory over Conor McGregor, Khabib earned $1.54 million. This included a $2 million payout, reduced by a $500,000 fine due to a post-fight altercation.
- 2019 (Dustin Poirier Fight): Khabib’s fight against Poirier saw him take home a massive $6.09 million, including a $6 million guaranteed payout and $90,000 in bonuses.
- 2020 (Justin Gaethje Fight): His final fight before retirement earned him another $6.09 million, with some sources claiming he made even more due to pay-per-view shares.
What Made Khabib’s Fighting Style Unstoppable?
Khabib’s fighting style was rooted in grappling, sambo, and wrestling, honed from his early days in Dagestan. Known for his ability to control opponents on the ground, Khabib would neutralize their limbs while delivering devastating strikes. His grappling technique was so effective that he often conversed with opponents mid-fight, showcasing his dominance.
What Were Khabib’s Early Life and Training Like?
Born on September 20, 1988, in Sildi, Dagestan, Khabib grew up in a family deeply rooted in combat sports. Under the guidance of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, he began wrestling at a young age. A famous anecdote from his childhood involves him wrestling bears as part of his unconventional training. At 15, after relocating to Makhachkala, Khabib transitioned to judo and sambo, laying the foundation for his MMA success.
How Did Khabib’s MMA Career Begin?
Khabib’s professional MMA journey started in 2008 in Russia, where he quickly amassed an impressive 16-0 record. In 2011, he signed with the UFC and made his debut in 2012, defeating Kamal Shalorus. Over the years, he vanquished high-profile opponents, including Rafael dos Anjos, Darrell Horcher, Michael Johnson, and Edson Barboza, earning his title shot in 2018.
Why Did Khabib Retire Undefeated?
In 2020, after defeating Justin Gaethje, Khabib announced his retirement from MMA. His decision was influenced by the passing of his father and coach, Abdulmanap, and a promise made to his mother to stop fighting. Despite multiple offers to return, Khabib has remained committed to retirement, focusing on coaching and promoting MMA events.
What Controversies Surrounded Khabib?
Khabib’s career wasn’t without drama. In 2018, he became embroiled in a notorious feud with Conor McGregor. The tension escalated when McGregor attacked a bus carrying Khabib and other fighters, leading to injuries and legal action. After defeating McGregor, Khabib leaped out of the octagon to confront McGregor’s team, sparking a chaotic brawl. This incident led to a $500,000 fine and a nine-month suspension for Khabib.
What Is Khabib Doing Post-Retirement?
Since retiring, Khabib has transitioned into coaching and MMA promotion. He has mentored several fighters under his father’s legacy and launched Eagle FC, an MMA promotion company aimed at discovering new talent. His business ventures and endorsements continue to grow, solidifying his status as a global ambassador for the sport.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy is not just about his undefeated record but also his impact on MMA and his unwavering principles. With a net worth of $40 million at 36, he remains an inspirational figure, proving that discipline, humility, and skill can create a lasting legacy.
