Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion, was allegedly offered about $100 million to box famed fighter Floyd Mayweather Jr., a proposition backed by UFC president Dana White. The fight was scheduled to take place under boxing rules, likely in front of 100,000 people at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, following Khabib’s submission victory over Conor McGregor in 2018.

Why Khabib Said No: Beyond the Money

Respecting His Mother’s wishes

Khabib’s longtime manager, Ali Abdelaziz, revealed that the fighter takes decisions based on family and cultural beliefs. Khabib had told his mother that he would retire, and despite the pull of money, he refused because she persuaded him to stay out of the ring.

“I’m retired… I told my mother I’m retired. I’m gonna 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.”

Fighting for Legacy, Not Cash

In interviews, Khabib emphasized that his motivation was never financial gain.

“I don’t fight for money… I came here for legacy.”
He refused to engage in what he called a pure “money fight” and expressed concerns about how such a bout would be perceived by the boxing community and the broader legacy he built.

Concern Over Mayweather’s Legacy

Khabib also claimed clearly that “Nobody wants to be like him” while alluding to Mayweather, meaning that Floyd’s reputation and beliefs did not line with Khabib’s definition of greatness. In his perspective, he respects idols like Muhammad Ali, who have inspired billions, rather than warriors who are seen as glamorous.

From Talk to Reality

Soon after defeating McGregor, Khabib was in negotiations with the Russian Boxing Federation about facing Mayweather.

He even offered a hybrid match with 11 rounds of boxing and one round of MMA, a format designed to give him the best chance in his own discipline. Mayweather’s management, however, rejected the proposal.
tential platform and pay, Khabib felt he was at peace in retirement. He rejected more superfights to maintain his 29-0 undefeated MMA record, which he terminated in 2020 following the death of his father and mentor.l

Loyalty to UFC & His Word

Khabib always emphasized that upholding the integrity of his UFC retirement, which he announced publicly in the midst of emotional turmoil, mattered more than monetary temptation. A contract and pledge to his mother were more important than any money reward.

He thought that partnering with Mayweather—and accepting the fight—would contradict the principles of martial arts that he admired. One commentator regarded the battle as an example of show above substance, which Khabib purposefully avoided.

Motivation Khabib’s Perspective

Financial gain is a secondary priority; he prioritizes legacy over wealth.

Family Duty: He promised his mother he would retire and fulfilled her desires completely.

Legacy and Honor: Believes in a clear road to excellence, unlike fights driven by celebrity.

Final thoughts

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s choice to turn down a big $100 million payout to face Floyd Mayweather demonstrates a deep dedication to personal beliefs.

He declined the invitation out of respect for his mother’s counsel, a desire to maintain his unbeaten record, and a conscientious unwillingness to participate in a spectacle that he felt would undermine his moral position and sports integrity.

In a sports world dominated by money, Khabib’s rejection serves as a reminder that character and conviction still count. He emerges from the cage unscathed—and unshaken in his conviction.