Khabib rakes in career-high $6.1 million payout for beating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254

Khabib Nurmagomedov stunned fans after he anunced his retirement following his win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. 32-year-old Russian fighter dominated Highlight, forcing him to tap out to a triangle choke early in Round 2. With a win at UFC 254, Khabib Nurmagomedov is leaving sport with an immaculate 29-0 record, out of which 13 wins came in UFC. Khabib also defended his lightweight title three times, having won vacant title in April 2018.

Also Read | Khabib Retirement Anunced After Beating Gaethje

UFC 254 payouts

According to online estimates, Khabib Nurmagomedov raked in a career-high over $6 million for his win against Justin Gaethje on Saturday. Entering as defending champion for bout, Khabib payout for fight alone was $6 million. He took home ar $50,000 as Performance of Night bonus, while he also netted ar $40,000 as fight week incentive pay. This means total Khabib payout, as estimated so far, stands at $6,090,000. Khabib's total payout will be even higher after his share from his pay-per-view clause is taken into account. 

So far, Khabib's nearly $6.1 million dollar payout is slightly higher than his earnings for beating Dustin Poirier in 2019. It comfortably dwarfs  $2 million he raked in for his bout against Cor McGregor in 2018. Despite losing fight to Khabib, McGregor earned $3 million for fight. Irishman earned a similar amount for his win against Donald Cerrone at start of year.

Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje earned a little more than $400,000 for his title unification bout in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. 

Also Read | Khabib Nurmagomedov Plans UK Trip After UFC 254, Wants To Watch Man United, Liverpool

Khabib vs Gaethje full fight

Khabib started his fights against Gaethje with a strong striking display, connecting several strikes and completing one takedown in Round 1. Gaethje too enjoyed a decent offensive performance as he mand to hurt champ with several strikes to his left leg. Gaethje began Round 2 with ar strong strike to Khabib's leg which momentarily left Russian off-balance.

champ, however, soon recovered with his trademark takedown, dominating Gaethje in corner. Khabib quickly mand to execute a triangle choke on his opponent which sent Gaethje to sleep. referee stopped fight with 1:34 left in second round. 

Khabib quickly turned emotional as he wept in centre of ring after winning his first professional bout without his far, Abdulmanap, standing ringside. 32-year-old went on to anunce his retirement, citing a promise made to his mor, which he intends to keep.

Khabib tched 29 wins in his professional career, losing ne. He won lightweight title in 2018, beating Al Iaquinta for vacant belt. Khabib went onto successfully defend his title against Cor McGregor in 2018 before he scored a win over Poirier last year.  32-year-old, who will likely be .1 pound for pound fighter in UFC after he recent win, was labelled as G.O.A.T by UFC president Dana White. 

Also Read | NBA World Reacts To Khabib's Sensational Win Over Justin Gaethje And UFC Star's Retirement

(Im Credits: UFC Twitter)