McGregor vs. Khabib 2019: UFC Rivalry Becomes More Financial, ‘The Notorious’ No Longer Top Earner?

When it comes to the McGregor vs. Khabib rivalry, the fight has been taken out of the octagon on more than one occasion. This time, though, the heat between these two UFC contenders has gotten a bit more monetary. That is to say, it has been reported that the Irish fighter has been knocked from his perch as the industry’s top earner by the man who defeated him.

This particular tidbit came from Khabib’s manager, Metro reports, where Ali Abdelaziz is saying that his fighter is now being paid more than McGregor. This is despite the fact that the fighter has been out of the limelight following his suspension due to the public brawl that occurred right after UFC 229. Come September, he will be back in the octagon and will supposedly be paid quite the handsome price for it. This takes the McGregor vs. Khabib fight to a whole new level.

In a recent interview, Abdelaziz boasted that he was able to successfully negotiate a contract that essentially made Khabib an incredibly high-paid athlete. Even more so than McGregor, who was the top earner in the organization for a long time. This should make the McGregor vs. Khabib rematch something to behold if it ever happens.

“My opinion right now, Khabib is the pound-for-pound greatest fighter we’ve ever seen. He never lost. He’s never been caught. He’s never been dropped. He’s dominated every round against almost every opponent. No [performance-enhancing drugs], nothing,” the agent said.

“This is why he’s the highest-paid athlete in the UFC today. Believe me. He’s the highest-paid athlete in the UFC today. And I’m saying that again because I see everything. They showed me everything. Khabib is the highest-paid athlete in the UFC, and we are happy. It’s time to fight.”

As to when a McGregor vs. Khabib rematch would even occur, this remains to be seen. Khabib’s first match upon returning will be against Poirier. After that, perhaps the rematch will be discussed.