Khabib Nurmagomedov, the undefeated UFC lightweight champion who retired in 2020, recently revealed the staggering offers he’s declined to maintain his retirement from the octagon.
In a discussion with Daniel Cormier on UFC Fight Pass’ Ultimate 30 Countdown, Nurmagomedov shared that it wasn’t easy to turn down such lucrative offers:
When you’re the best fighter in the world, when you’re strong enough, when you have money, when you’re famous, it’s very hard to say no to all these things.
It’s very hard. It’s not easy.
It’s not easy [to] just say no to 20, 30, 40 million dollars.
However, Khabib remained composed and decided:
But for myself, it’s not everything. This is not most important. It was not an easy decision, but if I decide, I decide.
It’s finished. I leave this alone. I am happy and I never regret my decision. Never.
Nurmagomedov, now 35, retired with an impeccable record and a legacy as one of the greatest lightweights.
His career included victories over top fighters like Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier.
Reflecting on his career and mindset, Nurmagomedov shared:
I told you: “I’m going to be champion. I’m going to have 10-0 in the UFC, undefeated, 27-0.”
And I don’t want to say numbers, but I told you for how much money I’m going to fight, and you [said]: “No, this is impossible. Nobody fights in our sport for this kind of money.”
It was 2012, I told you.And after how many years? Like six years? It happened.
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