Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals financial fallout from speaking out for Palestine

Khabib Nurmagomedov says he lost sponsorships and commercial agreements after publicly supporting Palestine, with the former UFC lightweight champion insisting that financial losses mean little compared with the lives affected by the conflict.

The Russian star said several companies had withdrawn their backing or cancelled business contracts because of comments he had made about Palestine.

Nurmagomedov has continued to express his support on a number of occasions since tensions escalated with Israel. The fighter, known as “The Eagle”, has shared updates documenting the destruction and loss of life in Gaza, despite the significant financial consequences he says followed.

‘Money compared with lives is nothing’

Speaking about the impact of his public position, Nurmagomedov said companies had ended sponsorship arrangements because he had spoken about Palestine.

In a video shared by digital broadcaster Sneako, the Dagestani former champion said: “For example, I am a famous athlete. Imagine when you post something about them, you lose contracts and sponsorships. Many sponsors do not want to work with athletes who support Palestine. Not even support, just say something, they cancel contracts.”

He added: “Do you think this does not happen to me or Islam or Usman? It happened to us, and we lost money too. But money compared with lives is nothing.”

The 37-year-old said his experience was not unique, suggesting that athletes who speak publicly about Palestine can face similar commercial repercussions.

Nurmagomedov retired from mixed martial arts with an unbeaten professional record and remains one of the most prominent figures associated with the UFC. His profile has allowed him to maintain a substantial audience away from competition, including through his social media activity and public appearances.

The former lightweight champion said that profile also created a sense of responsibility. Rather than remaining silent, he believes he should use his platform to ensure people understand what is happening in Palestine.

Nurmagomedov said he felt obliged to make the public aware of what he described as the “painful things” taking place there.

His comments underline the personal cost he associates with his decision to continue speaking out, while making clear that he regards the human consequences of the conflict as more important than lost sponsorship income.

The fighter has repeatedly used online posts to highlight the scale of the destruction and the number of people killed in Gaza. According to his account, that support has come despite companies deciding that they no longer wanted commercial relationships with him.

Nurmagomedov’s latest remarks provide his clearest public explanation of the effect he believes his position has had on his business interests. He did not identify the companies involved or disclose the value of the contracts that were cancelled, but said the financial loss had amounted to millions of dollars.