Khabib Nurmagomedov UFC 254 Salary: How Much Did He Earn From Beating Justin Gaethje?

Khabib Nurmagovedov’s record remains unscathed after his battle against Justin Gaethje in UFC 254 that ended in a submission. How much did “The Eagle” take home?

The Dagestan native took home £4.6 million or around $6 million, per Daily Mail. He surprised everyone when he announced it would be his last fight. Nurmagovedov finished his UFC career with a 29-0 win-loss record. The prize purse did not include the Pay-Per-View sales that fighters are entitled to. The total prize winnings that the lightweight king took home could be a lot bigger when bonuses are factored in.

On the other hand, Gaethje failed to replicate the form he had when he obliterated interim belt holder Tony Ferguson in UFC 249. The reigning champion used relentless pressure to take away the challenger’s stand up game. He submitted Gaethje in a triangle choke that put the latter to sleep. Experts were hyped up for the match since Gaethje was perceived as someone who can match the champion’s skillset. He has a striking and wrestling background but in the end, Nurmagomedov still won.

After the fight, the Russian MMA fighter announced his retirement, citing the loss of his father as one of the reasons. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who also served as his head coach, passed away in July due to COVID-19 complications, according to ESPN. It seemed like the decision would be permanent, contrary to what other fighters have done in the past after announcing they would hang it up for good but return for a more lucrative offer. "If I give my word, I have to follow this," he said in an interview.

If Nurmagovedov decides to really leave the sport, he would leave with his record and legacy intact. He would also leave as a very rich man. He has an estimated net worth of $30 million, a report from Celebrity Net Worth revealed. He debuted in the UFC in 2012 and became a champion in 2018 after defeating champion Al Iaquinta. The 32-year-old demolished Conor McGregor in their fight but an ugly brawl broke after the match that involved several members of opposing teams. “The Eagle” was given suspension and fines for his involvement in the post-fight incident.

Fans are clamoring for a mega fight between retired champion Georges St. Pierre and Nurmagovedov. Both fighters are retired at the moment but they could consider if the right deal is made. If the super fight doesn't happen, Nurmagovedov’s place in UFC history is secured. He will go down as one of the best ever to do it.