Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion, recently revealed his reasons for declining a $100 million offer to fight Floyd Mayweather. For Khabib, it’s about more than just the money.
After retiring from MMA following his victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 last October, Khabib made a promise to his mother not to fight again in light of the passing of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
During an interview on Mike Tyson’s ‘Hotboxin’ podcast with former two-weight UFC champion Henry Cejudo, Khabib expressed his concerns about the potential boxing match with Mayweather.
“I don’t want to upset the boxing community,” Khabib said. “While money is tempting, I have never fought for money. Money can lead to unforeseen challenges, and it can be risky. I don’t want to be in a situation where I am not prepared to handle the consequences of having too much money.”
When asked about his initial call-out to Floyd Mayweather after defeating Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in October 2018, Khabib emphasized that his focus is on legacy rather than financial gain.
Despite talks heating up about the potential fight and Dana White’s support for it, Khabib ultimately chose not to pursue it. Mayweather ended up facing internet personality Logan Paul in an exhibition match this past February.
Reflecting on Mayweather’s fight with Paul, Khabib remarked, “It was purely a business move. There was no real competition. Mayweather and Paul sparred for the show and the paycheck.”
Since retiring, Khabib has ventured into promoting MMA with his own Russian-based organization, Eagle Fighting Championship.
