Khabib Nurmagomedov, the retired UFC lightweight champion, is facing a significant tax controversy in his native Russia. According to reports, the Russian government is investigating the 35-year-old star for allegedly unpaid taxes, and the debt is estimated to be in the millions of dollars.
The Russian Federal Tax Service (FTS) claims that Nurmagomedov owes approximately $3.3 to $3.4 million in unpaid taxes. The authorities have reportedly discovered inconsistencies in the documentation of the former champion’s businesses, including his charitable organization, his Eagle FC MMA promotion, and other investments.
Nurmagomedov’s team has refuted the allegations, stating that his entrepreneurial journey is going well. However, a recent report by RT has revealed that the authorities have frozen Nurmagomedov’s bank accounts due to an outstanding debt of over $1 million.
The FTS has also closed down several companies owned by Nurmagomedov or his relatives, raising suspicions of financial irregularities. The investigation has discovered that Nurmagomedov allegedly invested in start-ups and hotels in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates with unpaid tax funds.
Adding to the controversy, Nurmagomedov’s charitable foundation, the Makhachkala Foundation for Education, Sports and Social Initiatives, also faced punitive action in 2021 due to uncleared debts. The outstanding amount in that case was believed to be around $409.
Moreover, Nurmagomedov’s longtime rival, Conor McGregor, has consistently criticized the former champion, alleging that he must be held accountable for procuring investments from the now-incarcerated Russian billionaire, Ziyavudin Magomedov.
The tax controversy has raised concerns about Nurmagomedov’s financial dealings and his reluctance to return to Russia, where he is reportedly facing the threat of prosecution. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how Nurmagomedov and his team will address these allegations and resolve the outstanding tax liabilities.
