UFC president Dana White has something to say about Team Khabib’s demand for a “$50M to $100M” paycheck for the champion’s next fight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s management team has some lucrative plans for the undefeated UFC lightweight champion. Specifically, manager Ali Abdelaziz wants “$50M to $100M” for Khabib’s next fight, arguing that the Dagestani had already bypassed Conor McGregor as a global superstar.
This salary demand was brought up to Dana White during the UFC 232 press conference ahead of UFC 230 late last week, which the UFC president had issued a response to.
“Sure,” White said with a laugh (transcript via MMA Fighting). “Come on! They know what’s realistic for them. They know the answer to that question. It’s fun to say though, $50 million.”
McGregor already stated that he is willing to fight someone else if he would not be granted an immediate rematch with Khabib. That sentiment remains the same according to White, who was able to have a long talk with the Irishman.
“Conor and I talked for an hour last week,” White said. “Typical Conor. ‘I would love an immediate rematch. I want to fight him again but I’ll fight whoever I gotta fight to get back to him if that’s not the case.’”
Both McGregor and Khabib are under indefinite suspension for the UFC 229 post-fight melee. Their sanctions will be decided upon during the Nevada Athletic Commission meeting on December 10th.