For UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, this is No. 1 great honor.
Nine months after the most lucrative fight of his career, Nurmagomedov has made the cover of Forbes Russia, further cementing his status as a massive star in his home country.
UFC President Dana White congratulated Nurmagomedov on Twitter, noting the champ’s entry at No. 1 on a list of Russia’s most successful sports stars.
Forbes Russia reports Nurmagomedov has banked $11.5 million from his UFC fights, including a blockbuster this past October against Conor McGregor that was the most lucrative pay-per-view in the promotion’s history.
The Russian-language website notes the UFC 229 headliner was a cultural event, and that “no less time was spent arguing” about the grudge match than the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Nurmagomedov beat out several soccer stars on the list in pay and social following. The Dagestani champ currently has 15.5 million followers, more than triple that of White’s 4.1 million.
After a whirlwind victory tour visiting state actors controversial and otherwise, the undefeated Nurmagomedov (27-0 MMA, 11-0 UFC) is training for his upcoming title unifier against interim champ Dustin Poirier at UFC 242, which takes place Sept. 7 at The Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Despite his loss at UFC 229, McGregor hit No. 21 on Forbes’ list of highest paid athletes this year. Nurmagomedov did not make the list.
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