UFC Lawsuit Contracts Reveal Khabib Nurmagomedov's Salary
The UFC antitrust lawsuit has revealed the fighter contracts of several fighters, including ex-champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Matt Hughes.
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The development comes as Zuffa (UFC's parent company) renewed its 'Motion for Summary Judgement', which is essentially asking the judge to make a quick decision without going to trial. It's used when one side (Zuffa) believes there are no important facts in dispute, and the judge can decide the case based on the existing evidence and the law. It's a way to resolve a case faster if it's clear who should win.
In this case, Zuffa came forward with several fighter contracts - amongst other documents, hoping to bolster their defense. Nurmagomedov's contract can be accessed on Scribd. Dated December 18, 2013, it would appear to be one of "The Eagle's" earliest UFC contracts since he joined in 2012.
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According to the contract, Nurmagomedov's pay was $21,000 show/win, and it would expire after 20 months, or four bouts, "whichever is shorter." This doesn't mean Nurmagomedov fought Rafael dos Anjos for $21,000 in April 2014, as UFC on Fox 11 payouts reveal "The Eagle" took home $64,000 ($32k/$32k). His contract must have been renegotiated prior to the bout.
Nurmagomedov allegedly signed another deal prior to fighting Michael Johnson in November 2016, and was raking in $80,000 show/win against Edson Barboza. So, take the payout information in the contract with a pinch of salt.
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