Khabib Nurmagomedov Biography, Age, Net Worth & UFC Records

Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov, known globally as “The Eagle,” stands as one of the most dominant and respected champions in mixed martial arts history. This Dagestani fighter achieved the rare feat of retiring undefeated with a professional MMA record of 29 wins and zero losses, establishing himself as arguably the greatest lightweight champion the UFC has ever seen. Born on September 20, 1988, in Dagestan, Russia, Khabib’s journey from the mountains of the Caucasus to global superstardom represents one of the most compelling stories in combat sports, combining traditional wrestling excellence with modern MMA dominance while maintaining unwavering dedication to his family, faith, and cultural values.

Who is Khabib Nurmagomedov? (Biography)

Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov was born on September 20, 1988, in Sildi, a rural village in the Tsumadinsky District of Dagestan, Russia. Known throughout his career as “The Eagle,” this mixed martial artist of Avar ethnicity became the most recognizable face of Dagestani MMA excellence and one of the most beloved figures in combat sports worldwide.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the most celebrated fighters in UFC history, having dominated the lightweight division with a unique combination of traditional Dagestani wrestling, combat sambo expertise, and an unbreakable mental fortitude that defined his championship reign. His success extends far beyond his undefeated record, as he became a cultural icon who brought global attention to the rich martial arts traditions of Dagestan.

The youngest of several children in his family, Khabib grew up in a household where martial arts and physical conditioning were central to daily life. His father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, was not only his first coach but also a visionary who understood the potential for Dagestani fighters to succeed on the world’s biggest stages. This early foundation in traditional wrestling and combat sambo would prove instrumental in shaping Khabib’s eventual UFC success.

As a devout Muslim, Khabib’s faith played a central role in his identity both inside and outside the octagon. He often spoke about how his religious beliefs guided his approach to competition, training, and life decisions. This spiritual foundation, combined with his deep respect for his cultural heritage, made him a unique figure in professional sports who never compromised his values for commercial success.

Throughout his career, Khabib wrestled from an early age, developing the technical skills and mental toughness that would later make him virtually unstoppable in the UFC. His journey from the remote mountains of Dagestan to becoming the face of the world’s premier MMA organization represents one of the most remarkable success stories in modern athletics.

Khabib’s Age & Physical Stats

At 36 years old in 2025, Khabib Nurmagomedov has transitioned from active competition to coaching and business ventures, though his physical conditioning and martial arts expertise remain as sharp as ever. His dimensions and fighting specifications were perfectly suited for the UFC lightweight division, where he established his legendary championship reign.

Complete Physical Profile

Khabib’s physical dimensions were ideally suited for the lightweight division, where his 5’10” frame and 70-inch reach provided excellent leverage for his wrestling-heavy approach. His compact, muscular build reflected years of intense conditioning and traditional Dagestani training methods that emphasized functional strength over aesthetic development.

His relatively short reach compared to many elite lightweights was never a disadvantage because his fighting style relied more on getting inside his opponents’ range and securing takedowns rather than maintaining distance for striking exchanges. This physical approach perfectly complemented his technical skills and strategic mindset.

At 36 years old, Khabib is now several years removed from his competitive peak, but his continued involvement in coaching and training with elite athletes demonstrates that his physical conditioning and technical knowledge remain at the highest levels. His age positions him perfectly for his current role as a mentor and developer of the next generation of Dagestani champions.

Khabib’s Early Life & Wrestling Background

Khabib’s early life in Dagestan was shaped by the region’s rich martial arts traditions and his father’s vision of developing world-class fighters from their remote village. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov recognized his son’s potential at an early age and structured his childhood around developing the technical skills and mental discipline necessary for elite competition.

Foundation in Traditional Martial Arts

From approximately age eight, Khabib began training in various grappling disciplines under his father’s guidance. The training regimen was comprehensive and demanding, incorporating elements of freestyle wrestling, combat sambo, and judo – a combination that would prove devastatingly effective in mixed martial arts competition.

The family’s approach to martial arts development was holistic, emphasizing not just physical techniques but also mental discipline, respect for opponents, and the importance of continuous improvement. These values, deeply rooted in Dagestani culture and Islamic principles, became central to Khabib’s identity as a competitor.

Khabib earned a black belt in judo, demonstrating his technical proficiency in this traditional martial art. His judo background provided him with superior balance, leverage, and understanding of body mechanics that enhanced his wrestling abilities and made his ground control virtually unbeatable in MMA competition.

Combat Sambo Excellence

As a two-time world champion in combat sambo, Khabib established his credentials as one of the world’s elite graplers before ever entering professional MMA. Combat sambo, which combines wrestling and judo with strikes and submissions, provided the perfect foundation for mixed martial arts competition.

His combat sambo success was particularly significant because it demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure against international-level competition. The technical skills and competitive experience gained through sambo competition directly translated to his eventual MMA dominance.

Early Professional MMA Career

Khabib began his professional mixed martial arts career in Russia, competing in regional promotions where he could develop his skills against increasingly challenging opposition. His early MMA career showed a steady progression from regional champion to international contender, with each fight demonstrating his growing understanding of how to apply his grappling skills in mixed martial arts contexts.

His pre-UFC record of 16-0 demonstrated consistent dominance against a variety of opponents and fighting styles. This experience provided valuable preparation for the higher levels of competition he would face in the UFC, where his technical advantages would be tested against world-class athletes.

Khabib’s UFC Career & Record

Khabib Nurmagomedov signed with the UFC in 2011 and made his promotional debut on January 20, 2012, against Kamal Shalorus at UFC on Fox 2. His victory via third-round submission immediately announced his arrival as a serious contender in the lightweight division, beginning what would become one of the most dominant careers in UFC history.

UFC Record and Statistics

Khabib’s professional MMA record of 29 wins and zero losses includes a UFC record of 13-0, with his octagon performances showcasing the technical superiority and strategic brilliance that made him virtually unbeatable. His UFC career spanned from 2012 to 2020, during which he never lost a round on most scorecards and was never knocked down or cut.

Complete UFC Victory Methods:

• Submissions: 11 total (triangle choke, rear naked choke, kimura)
• KO/TKO: 8 victories showing his evolving striking game
• Decisions: 10 dominant unanimous decision victories

Key UFC Victories and Title Reign

Lightweight Championship Era (2018-2020):

1. Al Iaquinta (UFC 223): Khabib earned the lightweight title with a dominant unanimous decision victory, showcasing improved striking alongside his elite wrestling. The fight demonstrated his evolution as a complete mixed martial artist capable of controlling fights in all areas.
2. Conor McGregor (UFC 229): The most high-profile victory of Khabib’s career came against Conor McGregor at UFC 229, where he secured a fourth-round submission victory via neck crank. This fight generated massive pay-per-view numbers and established Khabib as a global superstar while avenging the personal attacks McGregor had made against his family and religion.
3. Dustin Poirier (UFC 242): Khabib’s title defense against Dustin Poirier showcased his ability to adapt mid-fight, initially struggling with Poirier’s striking before adjusting his approach and securing a third-round rear naked choke submission.
4. Justin Gaethje (UFC 254): His final professional fight saw Khabib defeat the dangerous striker Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 via triangle choke in the second round, demonstrating his ability to handle the division’s most feared knockout artist through superior grappling and fight IQ.

Notable Earlier UFC Victories

1. Rafael dos Anjos (UFC on Fox 11): A dominant decision victory over the future lightweight champion that established Khabib as a legitimate title contender.
2. Edson Barboza (UFC 219): Perhaps his most dominant performance, Khabib completely overwhelmed the elite striker Barboza through relentless wrestling and ground control.
3. Michael Johnson (UFC 205): A submission victory that included one of the most memorable moments in UFC history when Khabib talked to his opponent during the fight, telling him “Give up” while maintaining dominant position.

Championship Reign Impact

During his championship reign from 2018 to 2020, Khabib defended the lightweight title three times against elite competition, each victory further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest champions in UFC history. His ability to dominate different styles of opponents – from knockout artists to submission specialists to well-rounded competitors – demonstrated the completeness of his skill set.

The record of 21 successful takedowns over his UFC career reflects his wrestling dominance, while his ability to finish fights showed that his ground game was about more than just control. His championship reign was characterized by complete dominance rather than close decisions, setting him apart from many other titleholders.

Khabib’s Net Worth (2025 Update)

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be between $40-50 million, making him one of the wealthiest retired fighters in combat sports history. His financial success stems from multiple revenue streams including UFC fight purses, pay-per-view earnings, business ventures, and strategic investments that have continued to grow his wealth since retirement.

Net Worth Breakdown by Source

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s net worth is estimated to be $40 million in 2025, though some sources suggest it could be as high as $45-50 million when including undisclosed business ventures and investments. His father once claimed Khabib was worth $100 million, though this figure appears to be inflated compared to verified financial estimates.

Major UFC Earnings

Highest Single Payout: Khabib’s biggest payout was against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 ($6,877,500), reflecting the pay-per-view success and his status as champion. This final fight provided a fitting financial conclusion to his legendary career.

McGregor Fight Earnings: His fight against Conor McGregor at UFC 229 generated massive pay-per-view revenue and likely earned Khabib several million dollars through base pay, win bonus, and pay-per-view points. This remains one of the highest-earning fights in UFC history.

Total UFC Recorded Earnings: $21,720,200 in disclosed earnings, though actual total earnings likely exceed this figure significantly when including undisclosed bonuses, pay-per-view points, and additional compensation.

Business Ventures and Investments

Eagle FC: Khabib founded Eagle Fighting Championship, a professional MMA organization that showcases fighters from Russia and surrounding regions. This venture represents both his commitment to developing regional talent and a significant business investment.

Gym and Training Facilities: His ownership of training facilities in Dagestan and partnerships with gyms worldwide provide ongoing revenue streams while supporting his coaching activities.

Brand Endorsements: Major sponsorship deals with companies like Toyota, Venum, and other international brands contribute significantly to his annual income even in retirement.

Khabib’s Legacy & Impact

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from the sport at age 32 following his victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, keeping a promise to his mother that he would not compete without his father’s guidance. His retirement announcement in the octagon immediately following his victory created one of the most emotional moments in UFC history and cemented his legacy as a fighter who put family above personal achievement.

Unparalleled Dominance

Widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Khabib’s 29-0 record represents more than just numerical perfection – it reflects a level of dominance rarely seen in professional sports. He was never knocked down in his entire professional career, never cut, and lost very few rounds according to most scoring systems.

His lightweight title reign, while relatively brief, was characterized by complete dominance over elite competition. Each title defense answered questions about his ability to handle different styles and challenges, ultimately proving that his approach to mixed martial arts was simply superior to his contemporaries.

Impact on Dagestani MMA

Khabib’s success opened doors for an entire generation of Dagestani fighters, with many of his training partners and relatives now competing at the highest levels of MMA. His influence can be seen in fighters like Islam Makhachev (current UFC Lightweight champion), Umar Nurmagomedov, Usman Nurmagomedov (Bellator Lightweight champion), and many others who have followed his path to elite competition.

The “Dagestani style” of fighting, characterized by relentless pressure, superior conditioning, and elite-level wrestling, has become one of the most respected approaches in modern MMA largely due to Khabib’s success and influence.

Cultural and Religious Impact

As a devout Muslim competing at the highest levels of a Western sport, Khabib became an important figure for Muslim athletes worldwide. His ability to maintain his religious principles while achieving global success provided inspiration for countless young fighters who saw that they didn’t need to compromise their values to succeed professionally.

His respectful demeanor, dedication to family, and humble approach to success made him a role model that transcended sports, earning respect from competitors, fans, and media members regardless of their background or beliefs.

Coaching and Development Legacy

Since retiring from competition, Khabib has become an active coach with American Kickboxing Academy, working alongside legendary coach Javier Mendez to develop the next generation of champions. His coaching success is already evident in Islam Makhachev’s UFC championship reign and the continued success of other Dagestani fighters under his guidance.

Despite briefly stepping away from coaching in 2023, recent developments show Khabib has returned to cornering his fighters, including Islam Makhachev and other UFC competitors. His presence in corners at major events like UFC 311 demonstrates his continued commitment to developing elite talent.

UFC Hall of Fame Recognition

Khabib was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on June 30, 2022, recognition that came remarkably quickly after his retirement but reflected the undeniable impact he had on the sport. His Hall of Fame induction ceremony was attended by many of his former opponents and colleagues, highlighting the respect he earned throughout his career.

Current Activities and Future Plans

In 2025, Khabib remains actively involved in the MMA world through coaching, business ventures, and promoting the sport in his home region. While he has consistently maintained his retirement from active competition, his influence on the sport continues to grow through his various post-fighting endeavors.

Coaching Responsibilities

Despite previous announcements about stepping away from coaching, Khabib has returned to cornering fighters at major UFC events. His coaching responsibilities include working with Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and other elite fighters who benefit from his technical knowledge and championship experience.

His coaching approach emphasizes the same principles that made him successful: technical excellence, superior conditioning, and mental toughness. The success of his students demonstrates that his teaching abilities match his competitive achievements.

Business Development

Eagle FC continues to operate as a platform for developing regional talent and providing opportunities for fighters from Russia and surrounding areas. This venture allows Khabib to stay connected to competitive MMA while building a sustainable business that supports the fighter development ecosystem he values.

His various business interests in Dagestan and beyond provide financial stability while supporting his community development goals. These ventures reflect his commitment to using his success to benefit others and create lasting positive impact in his home region.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Khabib’s MMA record?

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s professional MMA career record is 29 wins and 0 losses, making him one of only a handful of fighters to retire completely undefeated. His UFC record was 13-0, including three successful lightweight title defenses.

2. How much is Khabib’s net worth in 2025?

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s net worth is estimated to be between $40-50 million in 2025. This wealth comes from his UFC career earnings, business ventures including Eagle FC, endorsement deals, and various investments he has made since retiring from competition.

3. Why did Khabib retire undefeated?

Khabib retired in 2020 following the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, from COVID-19 complications. He had promised his mother that he would not compete without his father’s guidance, and he honored this promise by announcing his retirement immediately after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.

4. Who did Khabib beat for the UFC title?

Khabib earned the UFC lightweight championship by defeating Al Iaquinta via unanimous decision at UFC 223 in April 2018. The title had been vacated by Conor McGregor, and Khabib won the championship fight that was originally supposed to be against Tony Ferguson.

5. What is Khabib doing now after retirement?

Khabib is currently active as a coach, working with fighters like Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov. He also runs Eagle FC, owns training facilities, and manages various business ventures. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2022 and continues to be involved in developing fighters from Dagestan.

6. Is Khabib coming back to fight?

No, Khabib has consistently maintained his retirement from active competition and has shown no interest in returning to fight. He has stated that his promise to his mother and his commitment to his post-fighting career make a comeback extremely unlikely.

7. Who are Khabib’s top students?

Khabib’s most successful students include Islam Makhachev (current UFC Lightweight Champion), Umar Nurmagomedov (UFC bantamweight contender), Usman Nurmagomedov (current Bellator Lightweight Champion), and several other fighters competing in major organizations worldwide.

8. What was Khabib’s fighting style?

Khabib’s fighting style was based on elite-level wrestling, combat sambo, and judo, with increasingly effective striking as his career progressed. He was known for his relentless takedowns, superior ground control, and ability to wear down opponents through constant pressure and superior conditioning.

9. How many title defenses did Khabib have?

Khabib successfully defended the UFC lightweight championship three times: against Conor McGregor (UFC 229), Dustin Poirier (UFC 242), and Justin Gaethje (UFC 254). Each defense was dominant and showcased his ability to handle different styles of elite opposition.

10. What made Khabib so dominant?

Khabib’s dominance came from a combination of technical excellence in wrestling and grappling, superior conditioning, strategic brilliance, and mental toughness developed through traditional Dagestani training methods. His ability to implement game plans perfectly and adapt during fights made him virtually unbeatable at the lightweight division.