Khabib names Conor McGregor win as crucial career moment

Benny A. King

Khabib Nurmagomedov was just inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Nurmagomedov left behind a legacy of 29 victories and no losses.

He retired due to a promise made to his mother following the passing of his father. While many criticize his early opponents as unestablished – his title defenses stand on their own proving his dominance over the most talented division in the UFC.

Nurmagomedov defended his title against the likes of McGregor, Poirer and Gathje – men who are undoubtedly up there still in the lightweight division.

During his Hall of fame induction Khabib was asked about top moments in his career and singled out a win against Conor McGregor.

 “It was here – this arena – Oct. 6, 2018,” Nurmagomedov told reporters on the UFC Hall of Fame red carpet. “Biggest fight in MMA history. I’m very happy I win this fight. I can lose any of my fights. But no way this fight.”

 

But despite the McGregor match up – Nurmagomedov came out on top in another race – he was the best paid fighter on the UFC roster.

Highest-paid guaranteed purse was given to none of these megastars. Instead, former lightweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov had the honor of earning the highest UFC guaranteed purse of all time.

“I’ve heard from multiple sources that the highest guaranteed check ever is probably Khabib,” Nash told Luke Thomas. “It was at least six million but I heard it was probably maybe ten million dollars guaranteed for his last couple…”
Nash then explained that part of that lucrative payment was due to Khabib Nurmagomedov being involved in getting the UFC a deal with the United Arab Emirates.
 “A big part of that supposedly was he was the guy that helped negotiate that United Arab Emirates deal,” Nash said. “Also the middle east north African TV deal he was part of”
Khabib defended his belt against Dustin Poirier in September of 2019 at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi.
The Russian would later return to the United Arab Emirates when he performed for the last time in his career when he defended his belt against Justin Gaethje in October of 2020 for UFC 254, also in Abu Dhabi. Nowadays Nurmagomedov coaches in addition to owning the promotion Eagle FC.