Khabib Nurmagomedov has reportedly paid his over $3 million tax debt to the Russian Federal Tax Service (FTS). Earlier this year, there were alarming reports that Russia’s premiere federal tax agency had alleged that ‘The Eagle’ owed them over 300 million rubles (or around $3.4 million) in taxes, which he had failed to pay earlier.

Because of Nurmagomedov’s reputation and image as one of the most disciplined and well-regarded fighters in and out of the octagon, many found it hard to believe when the allegations first came out a few months ago. However, this was followed by the tax agency blocking not only accounts belonging to some of Khabib’s companies but also reportedly his personal bank accounts, and even some of his assets!

It was unclear how exactly the matter would proceed with some even suggesting potential jail time for the former UFC champion. However, ‘The Eagle’, rather than going through the long and tiring legal process, seems to have decided to just pay the demanded amount and clear his good name.

Since hanging up his gloves in 2020, the Dagestani former champion has become a veritable entrepreneur. One of the most well-regarded mixed martial artists with a reputation for honesty and uprightness, not only did he start his own businesses (such as the now largely defunct MMA promotion ‘Eagle FC’), but he was also offered seats on the boards of various existing and new businesses. The Russian tax authorities apparently found discrepancies in the paperwork of some of the companies associated with him, compelling them to do a deeper audit, which resulted in them coming to the conclusion he owed them $3 million in back taxes.

The former UFC champion has also reportedly been aggressively investing in the Middle East, especially in the UAE, whose Royal Family he is close to. In fact, the FTS also questioned these overseas investments. And while it is undoubtedly good news for Nurmagomedov, some of his fans must be disappointed how the matter has been resolved.

Khabib Nurmagomedov paying off $3 million back taxes closes door on possible comeback

As soon as the news broke that Khabib Nurmagomedov was in trouble with the tax authorities for millions of dollars, a section of UFC fans was jubilant. Not because he got in trouble, but because there was a slim, albeit very real chance that ‘The Eagle’ may have to make a comeback to the octagon, make money, and pay off the $3 million.

Now, however, even that door is completely closed. Of course, everyone agrees that Nurmagomedov retired prematurely. His father’s death in 2020 caused his mother to make him promise to quit fighting entirely, worried about Khabib’s well-being, which his father had always done for him.

‘The Eagle’, of course, was undefeated, and the reigning lightweight champion, and en route to being towards the top in any MMA GOAT conversations. Not to mention leaving multiple multi-million dollar purses on the table. However, having promised his mother, Khabib retired four years ago and has never looked back, expressing contentment at his retirement. The tax troubles, however, had given fans a tiny spark of hope, but that too has been extinguished. What are your thoughts on the whole Khabib tax fiasco?