UFC legend Khabib turns down $137 million for promise to his mother
The 29-0 lightweight champion defeated Justin Gaethe in October
(Web Desk) – UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has turned down a $137 million blockbuster fight against Floyd Mayweather because of a promise to his mother.
The 29-0 lightweight champion defeated Justin Gaethe in October and immediately announced it would be the last fight of his career, becoming the first man to retire at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.
"This was my last fight. No way I can come here without my father. When UFC call me with Justin, I talk with my mother for three days. I promise it will be my last fight. If I give my word, I have to follow this," Khabib told the UFC broadcast at the time.
During his recent appearance on Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, Ali Abdelaziz revealed that Khabib will be keeping his promise for the foreseeable future. “Two weeks ago, 10 days ago, Dana White called me,” manager Abdelaziz said. “He said, ‘Georges St-Pierre, he said he’ll fight Khabib in a non-title fight at 165 pounds.’”
Despite being Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dream fight, with the two former champions now retired the match-up simply does not make sense in the eyes of “The Eagle.”
Ali then went on to reveal Khabib even turned down $100 Million USD to box Floyd Mayweather. “$100 million. $100 million. You can ask Floyd. You can ask everybody. Khabib said, ‘No, I’m retired. I told my mother I’m retired. I’m going to keep my word to my mother. If my mother told me to fight again, maybe I will. But right now, she told me not to fight.’”
It s not uncommon for UFC fighters to retire and return but Khabib has stood by his word in the face of immense pressure and speculation over the past six months.
In March, Khabib revealed more about his relationship with his mother to ESPN, saying her health would always hold priority over money.
"My view and my relationship with my mother, I feel like I have to stop because I feel like in every fight, every training camp, this takes some age away from my mother.
"And it s like what do I have to do? I came to this sport to show who I am and became the best, I m world champion, and pound-for-pound No. 1. I defended my title three times. "I defended my title in biggest fight of UFC history. What else? Only money-fights, but I don t need money."
