UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov had 'no idea' how much he earned for first title fight

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov showed his passion for the sport yet again after admitting he had “no idea” how much money he earned in his first fight.

His debut was against lightweight champion Al Iaquinta in 2018, which Khabib won.

The Russian explains that he never asked the UFC president Dana White about money:

“Now I understand why I have a good relationship with Dana because I don’t fight for money,” per the Mirror.

“That’s why. I never asked Dana or [the] UFC like about money.

“My manager was [dealing] with them. But I remember when I suppose to fight first time for the title, I was like in Brooklyn in 2018. After the weigh-in.

“People talk about money, how much they make, and I’m like, ‘Ali [Abdelaziz], how much would I make for this fight?’ he’s like, ‘You serious?’ I don’t know how much I make.”

After that first fight, Khabib went on to be the reigning lightweight champion for three years straight, before retiring in 2021 with an unbeaten record.

The ex-fighter understands that not everyone has the same passion and mentality purely just for fighting:

“My goal was not to make money in this sport but I don’t judge guys who fight for money.

“They have to take care for families and kids but I am not against them at all, I know one thing though if you sign the deal and the contract you have to fight.

”

Khabib’s passion for the sport led to him having the highest-selling UFC pay-per-view of all time with around two million sold.

That fight was against his bitter rival, Connor McGregor, to hold his title against one of the best fighters at the time.

The Russian had guaranteed himself a spot in UFC legend by dominating the Irishman and brutally submitting him to tap out.

Khabib’s final fight was against Justin Gaethje