Khabib Nurmagomedov turned down a million-dollar fight with Floyd Mayweather (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS)
Since his surprising retirement announcement in 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov became the target of million-dollar offers to return to the fighting world. One of the biggest came shortly after his retirement: around $100 million (approximately R$554 million, at the current exchange rate) to face Floyd Mayweather in a superboxing match. The answer, however, was direct and definitive: no.
During a Q&A session in New York last weekend, the former UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) revealed why he would never share the ring with Mayweather. According to Khabib, no amount of money would be able to make him compromise his principles.
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"This is a money fight, but I would never do it because I respect his legacy. If you talk about Mayweather as a man, no one wants to be like him. Look at Muhammad Ali. He's no longer with us, but he inspired billions of people, not just Muslims," he explained.
With an undefeated record of 29 victories in MMA, 'The Eagle' hung up his gloves after submitting Justin gaethje No. UFC 254, fulfilling the promise made to his mother after the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Floyd Mayweather's controversial history may have influenced his decision
Although Mayweather is one of the most successful boxers in history, his career outside the ring is marked by controversy. The American has been convicted of domestic violence and served a prison sentence in 2012. He is also frequently criticized for displaying a life of excess and promoting purely commercial fights, often with opponents with no professional boxing history.
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