Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team has contested tax fraud accusations made by Russian authorities. Since his retirement in 2020 following the death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib has been involved in various business ventures, which have led to the current complications.
According to a report by the Russian media outlet Mash, Nurmagomedov allegedly owes 306 million rubles ($3.3 million) in unpaid taxes to the Russian Federal Tax Services. Preliminary investigations into his businesses revealed documentation discrepancies, prompting a comprehensive audit.
The authorities suspect that Nurmagomedov may have used the unpaid tax funds to acquire hotels and launch businesses in Turkey and the UAE. Consequently, the government has reportedly frozen several business bank accounts linked to Nurmagomedov’s enterprises, including the Eagle FC promotion and his charitable foundation.
However, Nurmagomedov’s team, as reported by TASS via Championship Rounds on X, has vehemently denied these allegations. They asserted that the information about tax debt is inaccurate and stated that Khabib continues to actively engage in and develop his business projects.
Nurmagomedov retired from professional fighting after a second-round submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020. Since then, he has focused on mentoring upcoming fighters and expanding his business ventures.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, who hails from Dagestan, Russia, is one of the most respected figures in combat sports. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a UFC champion is widely celebrated. Currently, he ranks among the wealthiest MMA fighters, with an estimated net worth of over $40 million, largely accrued from his fighting career.
In addition to his earnings from fighting, Khabib has diversified into various business fields. In October 2021, he announced an investment in the Al Firdaus Residence and Halal Complex in Turkey, marking his entry into the real estate sector. Moreover, he has ventured into the food industry with his own chain called ‘M-eat by Khabib’, offering sandwich-style meals featuring horse meat and beef.
In November 2020, Nurmagomedov purchased the Russian MMA promotion Gorilla Fighting Championship, formerly known as the Federation of MMA of Samara, for $1 million and rebranded it as Eagle FC. His involvement in these businesses highlights his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to diversifying his portfolio beyond his illustrious fighting career.
