Khabib Nurmagomedov Responds to Arman Tsarukyan Over Remarks About President Paying for Gym

Khabib Nurmagomedov responded to Arman Tsarukyan's claim of him receiving aid from the Russian government to build his gym in Dagestan.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Responds to Arman Tsarukyan Over Remarks About President Paying for Gym

Khabib Nurmagomedov responds to Arman Tsarukyan [via UFC.com and AsianMMA]

In Short
  • Khabib Nurmagomedov refuted Arman Tsarukyan's claim that Vladimir Putin financed his gym.
  • Nurmagomedov stated on social media that no one has ever paid for his ventures or built gyms for him.
  • He revealed that his recent gym in Dagestan was funded by his earnings from the Conor McGregor fight.

Arman Tsarukyan recently made a comment that got the attention of UFC lightweight legend, Khabib Nurmagomedov. This happened after the Armenian’s recent appearance on the PBD podcast. He revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin helped finance one of Nurmagomedov’s biggest undertakings recently.

The 29-year-old explained to Patrick Bet-David that in Russia, successful athletes were taken care of by the government. They are essentially rewarded for serving their nation. He used the example of a gold medalist initially, but then quickly pivoted to former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The Armenian claimed that Nurmagomedov’s gym was allegedly something that “Putin built for him.” However, Nurmagomedov heavily pushed back against this narrative. The undefeated Dagestani MMA legend went to social media to dispute and debunk Tsarukyan’s claim. He clarified that no one has ever paid for any of his ventures, let alone his gyms.

This is absolutely not true. No one ever paid for my bills or built gyms for me.

Khabib Nurmagomedov on social media

It is unclear as to which gym Arman Tsarukyan is referring to. Khabib Nurmagomedov owns several gyms around the world, including in Russia. He established the Eagle Gym at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in 2021. But now, it seems that was only the beginning. The ‘Eagle’ even opened a gym in Malaysia shortly after Islam Makhachev became the welterweight champion at UFC 322.

Tsarukyan’s claim is not random, though. Dana White once claimed that the Russian government has favored Khabib Nurmagomedov. He revealed that the ‘Eagle’ was awarded gifts worth $20 million by Vladimir Putin. After all, the undefeated Dagestani fighter is among the most popular athletes ever. So, it’s no surprise that the Russian government wants to take care of him as Tsarukyan suggested.

Khabib Nurmagomedov also recently opened a gym in his native village in Russia. That could actually be the one the UFC lightweight was referring to during the PBD podcast. But the ‘Eagle’ actually explained where the money for that gym came from.

Khabib Nurmagomedov opens gym funded by his win over Conor McGregor

In 2025, Khabib Nurmagomedov established a stunning, mountaintop training facility in his native village of Sildi in Dagestan. The ‘Eagle’ claimed it was built for the upcoming generation of “problem solvers” in MMA. He seems to be emulating his late father, the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who also coached Islam Makhachev.

Khabib Nurmagomedov stirs controversy
Khabib Nurmagomedov stirs controversy (via Heavy Sports)

The Dagestani fighter reacted to the opening of his gym in his Instagram story. As he unveiled his gym, he hilariously credited his fight purse from the Conor McGregor fight for enabling this investment in the future of MMA.

Flew to America, took part in the biggest confrontation in the history of martial arts, beat up someone who I didn’t like (and they even paid me for it) and upon arrival home, invested it in this beautiful corner of Dagestan.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via his Instagram story

Nurmagomedov also clarified that he had no interest in recouping the money from this investment. He said his goal was “different”, but did not elaborate further. Nonetheless, that just about debunks Arman Tsarukyan’s claim.

People close to Nurmagomedov, like Islam Makhachev, have alluded to his incredible affluence following his payday for the McGregor fight. UFC 229 was the best-selling UFC pay-per-view ever with over 2.4 million buys. Khabib Nurmagomedov, as the champion heading into the event, received pay-per-view points for that event.

With a return to active competition well in the past, Nurmagomedov will play a big role in cultivating the next generation of talents from Dagestan.

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