UFC President Dana White has shed new light on the real reasons behind Khabib Nurmagomedov's surprising retirement from mixed martial arts, pointing to massive financial earnings from his Muslim world tour as the primary factor.
The Financial Windfall That Changed Everything
During a recent interview on Prince St Pizza in November 2025, White explained that the former UFC lightweight champion earned such substantial amounts during his post-victory tour across Muslim-majority nations that continuing to fight became financially unnecessary. Khabib visited Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar following his iconic 2018 victory over Conor McGregor, where according to White, "they rained money on him."
The UFC president didn't provide exact figures but emphasized that the earnings were life-changing. Earlier reports had suggested that Khabib received enormous appearance fees and sponsorship deals during this period, with Saudi Arabia alone offering millions for special events and potential exhibition matches.
The Emotional Factor: Losing His Father
White also highlighted another crucial element in Khabib's retirement decision: the passing of his father and longtime coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. The UFC president acknowledged that this personal tragedy played a significant role in the champion's choice to step away from the sport at his peak.
Khabib had officially retired in October 2020 after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, explaining at the time that he had promised his mother he wouldn't fight again without his father by his side. This emotional commitment, combined with his newfound financial security, created the perfect conditions for walking away from competition.
A Rare Exit From The Sport
What makes Khabib's retirement particularly remarkable in the combat sports world is the circumstance of his departure. Unlike most fighters who retire due to declining skills, injuries, or repeated losses, Khabib left while still undefeated and at the absolute top of his game.
White described the Russian champion as one of the most respected figures in UFC history but admitted that Khabib's success outside the octagon made any potential comeback increasingly unlikely. Since retiring, Khabib has focused on coaching and mentoring young fighters through his Eagles MMA team, maintaining his connection to the sport without the physical risks of competition.
The combination of financial freedom through his Muslim world tour earnings and the emotional impact of his father's passing created a unique situation that allowed one of MMA's greatest champions to exit on his own terms—a rarity in the demanding world of professional fighting.
