Manager: UFC Champ Khabib Nurmagomedov Seeking At Least $50 Milllion for Next Bout

Khabib Nurmagomedov just beat the biggest star in mixed martial arts, and now, it appears as though he wants to be compensated accordingly.

While Tony Ferguson would seem to be the most logical next opponent for “The Eagle,” it has been rumored that Nurmagomedov is chasing a lucrative superfight, with rumored opponents ranging from Georges St. Pierre to even Floyd Mayweather. In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, manager Ali Abdelaziz threw out some eye-popping figures when discussing the UFC lightweight champion’s next payday.

“Ben Askren, Woodley, none of these guys can touch Khabib,” Abdelaziz said. “Especially if they’re scared to get tired and these guys, they get tired. Now, I’m not even worried about Tyron or Ben Askren, I’m worrying about somebody bringing $50 million to $100 million to the table and none of these guys can bring $200,000 to the table.”

Nurmagomedov earned a disclosed $2 million for his fourth-round submission of Conor McGregor at UFC 229 on Oct. 6. While it was a clear-cut victory for Nurmagomedov, Abdelaziz wouldn’t rule out a rematch with McGregor if the price is right.

“Listen, the guy we just fought said he made $50 million,” Abdelaziz said. “I think, as a global superstar, Khabib bypass him. You have a guy meeting with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and [Turkey President Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan and the other guy selling liquor on the corner store. It’s not even in the f—-ing same planet…Good for him. Whatever. It’s none of our business, he do what he does. We try to go to Africa, we try to do different things. It’s not even close.

“At the end of the day, maybe a whole bunch of money gets on the table, maybe the rematch. I don’t know. Maybe we’ll give a rematch to the guy we just killed. . . Whatever’s gonna bring Khabib money. This is now my job. It’s not Khabib’s job. Khabib created legacy, 11 years, 27 fights. Right now, money talks, bulls—t walks. That’s it.”

Nurmagomedov is still facing discipline from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for leaving the Octagon to attack McGregor cornerman Dillon Danis and sparking a brawl at the conclusion of the UFC 229 main event. That hearing is scheduled for Dec. 10. Although the NSAC is still withholding $1 million of Nurmagomedov’s purse, money doesn’t seem to be an issue for the Dagestani fighter.

Abdelaziz said Nurmagomedov is planning to make some massive charitable donations soon as part of a trip to Africa. But as far as fighting goes, money — not merit — will determine Nurmagmodov’s next move.

“We’re gonna give $1 million to get wells and help with schools,” Abdelaziz said. “He’s gonna go to Africa probably end of this year, beginning of next year, and this is the most important thing. Khabib wants to touch lives.

“Khabib can retire now. He’s rich. . . But if somebody’s gonna put big paycheck on the table and we can get it done, I don’t care about number one contender, number ten contender. Khabib was number one contender for five years. Conor jumped him, Eddie [Alvarez] jumped him, a lot of people jumped him. Right now, it’s about the paycheck.”