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Khabib Nurmagomedov Turns Promoter And Buys MMA Organisation For $1 Million

Khabib Nurmagomedov Turns Promoter And Buys MMA Organisation For $1 Million

Reports from Russia indicate that the UFC legend is planning to conquer the promoting world next.

Alex Reid

Alex Reid

The next stage of Khabib Nurmagomedov's career could see him go from fighter to promoter, as reports claim that he has purchased a Russian MMA promotion for around $1 million.

The 32-year-old Khabib surprised fans by retiring undefeated from the Octagon in October, having successfully defended his UFC lightweight title against Justin Gaethje.

However, according to a report in Russian news outlet RT Sport, he has already taken the first step in his post-fighting career by buying mixed martial arts promotion Gorilla Fighting Championship.

GFC, as the promotion is currently known, operates out of Khabib's native Dagestan. While GFC 29 took place in October, two more shows are scheduled to take place on 4 December and 19 December 2020.

But according to Russian journalist Azamat Bostanov, UFC legend Nurmagomedov has purchased the GFC and plans to rename it the Eagle Fighting Championship (EFC).

Apparently the plan is then to expand activities and begin hosting MMA events outside of Russia. Arabian territories and, potentially, the USA are on the list of possible host countries.

You might imagine that could cause a big disruption in the previously excellent relationship between Khabib and UFC president Dana White. The UFC is unparalleled in its position atop the MMA food chain, but an organisation overseen by Nurmagomedov would have serious global appeal for fighters and fans.

Khabib posted a photo of himself and White on Instagram three days ago with the caption, "See you soon, Dana White."

But rather than a sneaky dig, that may in fact be an indication that Khabib is discussing his potential entrance into the promoting world with the UFC boss - with a view to the two companies having some type of working relationship in the future. For example, having EFC shows streamed worldwide on UFC Fight Pass.

More details are expected to be announced at Khabib's press conference on Wednesday 2 December in Moscow.

If 'The Eagle' has not only purchased his own MMA promotion but also formed a link with the UFC, we're going to have to put this down as yet another "W" on Khabib's record.

All imagery: PA Images

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Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Khabib, UFC News, MMA News, Mixed Martial Arts, Fight News, UFC, MMA, Dana White

Alex Reid is a writer at SPORTbible who’s previously strung words together for FourFourTwo, Boxing News, The Guardian and, yes, Cruise International (it’s about big ships, not Tom). Interests range from football and boxing to real sports like WWE and darts. He is not a cage fighter.

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@otheralexreid