In a surprising revelation, former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov disclosed that his rivalry with Conor McGregor had unexpected benefits for his hometown in Dagestan.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Nurmagomedov explained how he transformed his earnings from the highly publicized 2018 UFC matchup into a lasting legacy for aspiring athletes in his region.
“Flew to America, beat the guy who I don’t like and he paid for it,” Khabib stated matter-of-factly. “When I came home, I invested it all into this beautiful corner of Dagestan.”
The facility in question is reportedly a state-of-the-art training compound designed to nurture the next generation of combat sports talent from the Russian republic. The investment represents Nurmagomedov’s commitment to developing athletic opportunities in his homeland, an area known for producing world-class wrestlers and martial artists.
When asked about the process of acquiring such resources, Nurmagomedov’s response was characteristically straightforward: “And how do you get it? I don’t know. The main thing is just to get it. That’s how it works.”
The matchup between Nurmagomedov and McGregor at UFC 229 remains one of the highest-selling pay-per-view events in UFC history, reportedly generating approximately 2.4 million buys. Nurmagomedov’s disclosed purse was $2 million, though with pay-per-view points, the total compensation likely reached significantly higher figures.
Since retiring from competition with a perfect 29-0 record in 2020, Nurmagomedov has focused on coaching and developing talent, including former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The training facility appears to be part of his broader vision for supporting athletes from his region.
Sports analysts note that this revelation adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between the two fighters, which has now extended beyond their competitive careers and into their respective legacies.
For the residents of Dagestan, the training compound represents more than just a building – it’s a symbol of how one of their own achieved global success and brought those rewards back to benefit the community, turning a personal triumph into a collective opportunity.
