During a time when making money is a major part of competing in professional mixed martial arts (MMA), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov is going against the grain. As a matter of fact, “The Eagle” cares little about cashing big checks, as long as his Octagon efforts lead to a divisional title.
“I care about the belt,” said Nurmagomedov in a recent interview with MMAjunkie’s content partner Champions.co. “I want to finish this fight and fight for the title. I don’t care who has the title, who wins (between Alvarez and McGregor). I don’t care about money.”
Nurmagomedov, who remains undefeated in his professional MMA career, will meet Michael Johnson at UFC 205 on Nov. 12 from Madison Square in New York City, which is the same night UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez will defend his title opposite Conor McGregor. As someone who has heavily lobbied for a shot at the 155-pound belt, Nurmagomedov remains focused on his goals.
“I know a lot of fighters fight for the money, but money is not everything for me,” added Nurmagomedov. “I know money is very important for life, but I have money. I never use MMA to make money. MMA for me is about my life, about my blood and about everything I do all my life. Money, I can make money with other stuff. I have money. I have everything. I need the belt.”
If the 28-year-old Russian is able to get past “The Menace” at UFC 205 and extend his divisional win streak to eight, it’s going to be hard for UFC to deny his championship bid.
“I feel I deserve a title shot because this is not about my UFC career, this is about my whole career,” said Nurmagomedov. “Eight-and-a-half years I’ve gone undefeated. I am undefeated, and after Michael Johnson I hope UFC gives me a title shot. We’ll see.”
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