Khabib Nurmagomedov insists UFC deal would have locked him in for life

Khabib Nurmagomedov has dropped a bombshell about his UFC past, claiming his old contract would have kept him locked in for life.

What did Khabib Nurmagomedov say?

On the latest episode of The Fighter’s Mindset podcast, Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed his original UFC deal included a clause that would have made him exclusive to the promotion for the rest of his career. The Dagestani superstar, who retired in 2020 with a 29-0 record, said the terms would have barred him from competing anywhere else-even in other promotions or exhibition sports-had he stayed. His comments come as UFC president Dana White has repeatedly floated the idea of a potential return, though Khabib has consistently shut down those rumors.

Why does this matter for Khabib Nurmagomedov?

The revelation underscores just how dominant Khabib’s UFC run was-and how the promotion viewed him. His contract, signed in 2019, reflected his status as the pound-for-pound king of MMA. Sources close to the negotiations at the time said the UFC offered terms so favorable that even rivals like Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski couldn’t pry him loose. Khabib’s exit in 2020 left fans wondering what might have been, but his latest remarks suggest the UFC’s grip on him was ironclad-at least on paper.

What’s next for the Dagestani legend?

Khabib has spent the last six years out of competition, focusing on his fighting gym in Dagestan and his role as a mentor to Islam Makhachev. But White’s recent comments about a possible return have kept the speculation alive. Khabib, however, remains firm. “I’m done,” he told Ariel Helwani in 2023. “My life is about family and teaching now.” Still, his latest podcast appearance proves the allure of a comeback hasn’t faded-even if the UFC’s old deal would have made it impossible.

How did fans react to Khabib’s UFC deal claim?

Social media erupted after Khabib’s comments aired, with fans debating whether the UFC’s exclusivity clause was fair-or even enforceable. Some argued it was a standard move for a top star, while others called it restrictive. UFC veterans chimed in too. “Contracts like that protect the athlete’s earning power,” said Daniel Cormier, the former UFC champion and Khabib’s longtime rival. “But it also shows how much the UFC valued him.” The debate rages on, but one thing’s clear: Khabib’s legacy isn’t just about his undefeated record. It’s about the deals that shaped it.