In a recent episode of the Believe You Me podcast, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping delved into the swirling controversy surrounding Khabib Nurmagomedov’s alleged tax evasion issues. Bisping, alongside his co-hosts including UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith, weighed in on the situation, considering the implications for the renowned fighter.
The saga began earlier this month when reports surfaced from Russian outlet Mash suggesting that Nurmagomedov faced substantial unpaid taxes amounting to around 306 million rubles, approximately 3.3 million USD, owed to Russia’s Federal Tax Services.
Allegedly, discrepancies in the documentation of several of Nurmagomedov’s businesses, including his MMA promotion Eagle FC, his charitable organization, and other ventures, triggered the investigation.
It was further reported that Nurmagomedov purportedly utilized unpaid tax funds for investments in hotels and startups in the UAE and Turkey, leading to the freezing of his business-related bank accounts by Russian authorities. However, Team Nurmagomedov vehemently denied these allegations.
Bisping and Smith, on their podcast, contemplated the potential ramifications of Nurmagomedov’s predicament, acknowledging the possibility of fines, imprisonment, and forced labor if found guilty. Yet, they also entertained the notion that Nurmagomedov’s close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin could influence the outcome.
Bisping humorously speculated that Putin might reprimand Nurmagomedov privately, given the fighter’s representation of Russia on the global stage, jesting with a playful imitation of Nurmagomedov’s accent.
The discussion veered toward Dana White’s previous remarks on Putin’s purported generosity towards Nurmagomedov following his victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in October 2018.
White recounted how Putin showered Nurmagomedov and his father with extravagant gifts, including properties worth millions of dollars, in recognition of his triumph. White highlighted Nurmagomedov’s expanding business ventures, particularly in Muslim territories, where he received additional gifts from Putin.
The juxtaposition of these gifts with the recent tax evasion allegations against Nurmagomedov adds complexity to the situation, prompting speculation about the fighter’s standing in Russia and the potential influence of his relationship with Putin. As the investigation unfolds, observers remain intrigued by the interplay between sports, politics, and personal allegiances in Nurmagomedov’s ongoing saga.
