Dana White has reignited debate around Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement, suggesting financial success removed the former champion’s motivation to continue competing.
Here is what UFC’s President had to say on the topic:
He hit Saudi, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and they rained money on him.
He made so much money that he didn’t have to compete anymore.
White argued that once fighters reach a certain level of fame and wealth, the desire to keep competing often fades:
Once you get to that level… It’s like what we’re dealing with Conor McGregor.
Once you get to that level, you’re not getting up and getting punched in the face anymore.
However, Nurmagomedov quickly responded, strongly rejecting that explanation for his decision to step away from the sport:
I’m gonna say this: I swear to Allah this is an absolute lie, no one has ever given me these millions.
The fact that they write that I quit sports because I earned a lot of money is also not true.
Khabib pointed out that he has already explained his reasoning publicly in the past and expressed frustration at the continued speculation:
The whole world knows the real truth – I’ve said it many times and there’s no need to repeat it.
I’m certainly not a fan of commenting on every rubbish on the Internet, but when Dana says such things, it spreads everywhere.
🤔Khabib responds to Dana White for saying he stopped fighting because he got money from the Muslim world
“im gonna say this :
I swear to Allah this is an absolute lie, no one has ever given me these millions and the fact that they write that I quit sports because I earned a… https://t.co/VJdSfzOb38 pic.twitter.com/ojbaQSWwuA— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) May 20, 2026
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