Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov appears to have obtained citizenship in the United Arab Emirates, potentially to avoid tax issues in Russia, according to an investigative report from The Dossier. The Dossier Center, an investigative journalism group, claims that records from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website indicate Nurmagomedov is a citizen of the UAE.
In Russia, failing to disclose a second citizenship can lead to legal consequences. The report suggests two possibilities – either Nurmagomedov is concealing his UAE passport illegally, or Russian authorities are turning a blind eye, as his business ventures would be prohibited for foreign nationals under Russian law.
Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated after 29 bouts, was recently ranked as Russia’s highest-earning celebrity by Forbes magazine with an estimated $12 million income. However, reports emerged in early May that he had abandoned Russian companies with tax arrears totaling 306.6 million rubles (around $4 million). His uncle dismissed these claims as fake.
The potential acquisition of UAE citizenship by the Dagestani-born star follows a similar path taken by fellow MMA star Khamzat Chimaev, who previously represented Sweden but now competes out of the UAE after moving his training camp there.
While Nurmagomedov’s uncle has denied any tax debt, the Dossier Center’s findings raise questions about the legendary fighter’s efforts to potentially avoid Russia’s tax regulations by obtaining citizenship elsewhere in the region.
As Nurmagomedov continues his lucrative business endeavors and prepares to help train his friend Islam Makhachev for an upcoming UFC title defense, the controversy surrounding his citizenship status and potential tax motivations remains unresolved.
