Khabib Nurmagomedov, recognized as one of the best fighters in UFC history, surprised the world of combat sports when he turned down a $40 million offer from Dana White to come back to the UFC. He saw the potential for a huge superfight that would possibly have broken records for both viewership and earnings. But even though it was a lot of money, Khabib held on to his choice to stay retired. He refused to go back in the octagon because it was against his personal values that had always guided him in his career.
Why Khabib Nurmagomedov Turned Down the $40 Million
Khabib didn’t want to go back to the UFC for a $40 million paycheck because he didn’t want to fight. He wanted to stay true to his beliefs. Dana White was aware that Khabib was a big star and a dominant fighter in the sport. He made the offer in the hopes of getting the unbeaten fighter to come back for one last fight. But Khabib had already said that he wasn’t staying around to make money.
Khabib’s choice to retire after beating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020 was personal. Khabib told his mother that he wouldn’t fight again without his father by his side, after his father and mentor, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, passed away earlier that year. He decided to leave the sport at the peak of his career based on this pledge and his strong faith.
Even when the UFC made him a good offer, Khabib stood firm and said that fighting again would not make him feel fulfilled or content. Staying retired was a way for him to honor his father’s legacy and do what his family wanted.
Khabib’s Career: Dominance and Undefeated Legacy
When Khabib Nurmagomedov decided to retire, he left behind a legacy in MMA that no one else could match. He has an unblemished record of 29-0 over the course of his more than a decade’s career. Khabib’s fighting style, which was based on sambo, wrestling, and an endless pressure game, was tough to replicate from his early days in MMA to his ascension through the UFC rankings.
In 2018, Khabib won the UFC Lightweight Championship by beating Al Iaquinta for the vacant title. He then solidified his place in the sport by beating Conor McGregor in an impressive fight. His victory over McGregor changed his life in many ways, not just because of the fight itself but also because of the chaos that followed. Still, Khabib defended his title with strong wins over fighters such as Dustin Poirier or Justin Gaethje, showing that no one in the division could take it away from him.
Khabib showed amazing discipline, a strong work ethic, and the ability to control his opponents both physically and mentally throughout his career. He set a new benchmark in the sport by being the best lightweight fighter ever.
Daniel Cormier on Khabib’s Principles
Daniel Cormier, Khabib’s close friend and training partner, also spoke out regarding the $40 million deal. Cormier said he admired Khabib’s strong sense of right and wrong. He said that Khabib had never been motivated by money and that he decided to quit because he wanted to stick to his core values.
Cormier said that Khabib’s legacy was more than simply the money he made or the records he set. It was also about the respect he received from his peers and the example he set for other fighters. “He doesn’t need the money.” Cormier stated, “He’s already done everything he wanted to do.” “It wasn’t about his ego; it was about his family and faith.”
Khabib’s Legacy: Family, Faith, and Integrity
In the end, Khabib’s choice to turn down the $40 million offer and other multi-million-dollar deals says a lot about who he is and what he stands for. Khabib took a different path than many competitors who are pulled back to the sport by the promise of massive paydays. It’s not common for professional athletes to retire at the top of their game and not want to chase money or fame anymore.
Khabib’s tale shows that true success isn’t necessarily about how much money you make or how long you stay in the game. His dedication to family, faith, and doing the right thing has set an example for those who will come after him. Khabib Nurmagomedov didn’t need the extra millions to make his position in history more secure. He was already an undefeated champion, a man of integrity, and a role model for other athletes. Khabib’s choice to turn down those big offers will make sure that his legacy lives on long after even after his retirement.
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