UFC veteran Khabib Nurmagomedov has been making rounds in the media recently, but it has nothing to do with his fighting prowess. The fighter is allegedly fleeing Russia and seeking UAE citizenship after reports have surfaced of him being in $3 million tax debt.
The fighter who finished his UFC career with an undefeated record of 29-0 has bitten off more than he can chew. The 35-year-old had his last UFC fight four years ago when he choked out Justin Gaethje at the UFC 254 tournament. Since then, Khabib has had his hands in different business ventures, including buying the MMA promotion Gorilla FC and turning it into Eagle FC.
The fighter gained considerable traction when he debuted his fight promotion and signed on fighters like Kevin Lee and Junior Dos Santos. However, the promotion did not last long, as many athletes complained about the lack of fights and compensation.
Since then, the promotion hasn’t held any fights, and Russian authorities have seized their accounts. It is alleged that ‘The Eagle’ owes $3.3 million and has had his properties, bank accounts, and assets seized as they continue to investigate tax evasion.
Khabib’s team, on the other hand, has come out to debunk the rumor. They claim the take evasion is untrue and have come out to release a statement. “The information about tax debt is inaccurate. Khabib continues to engage in business projects and develop them.”
The news has come as a shock to many in the MMA world as Dagestani fighter appeared to be doing well for himself.
UFC veteran Conor McGregor dropped a mocking post on Khabib’s situation: “😂Broke and on the run. If you see him, tell him to push up for cash.”
Nonetheless, the fighter is currently on the run and has taken residency in the United Arab Emirates, where he is currently seeking citizenship.
