Manager: Khabib Nurmagomedov is "the best paid athlete in the UFC today" with a new contract

In addition to the official return of his UFC return to UFC 242 against Dustin Poirier, lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has apparently signed a landmark deal for his career. According to director Ali Abdelaziz, this would have strengthened their relations with the UFC.

"We are extremely happy," Abdelaziz told MMA Fighting on Tuesday. "We take good care of ourselves. We can not ask for anything better. We are very grateful. The easiest negotiation I have ever made. It was right, straight to the point. It is one of the largest transactions in the history of the UFC. I do not care about Conor [McGregor]I 'm mad about it' s one of the biggest guaranties [contracts] in the history of the UFC.

"When you do this kind of thing, people normally burn bridges. The bridges are only getting stronger, that's all I'm going to say.

"The UFC has intensified its efforts," he added. "They gave us what we wanted, they made a good business decision on their behalf and they made us a partner. We are all partners. We are together on this subject. "

Before the signing, Khabib had more than one fight in his contract. With the new agreement in place, Abdelaziz thinks that the status of undefeated fighter moves to new heights.

"My opinion for the moment, Khabib is the biggest pound fighter we've ever seen," he said. "He never lost. He was never caught. He was never dropped. He dominated every round against almost all his opponents. No [performance-enhancing drugs], nothing.

That's why he is the highest paid athlete in the UFC today. Believe me. He is the highest paid athlete in the UFC today. And I repeat it because I see everything. They showed me everything. Khabib is the highest paid athlete of the UFC and we are happy. It's time to fight. "

One of the major changes for UFC 242 is that Khabib's father, Abdulmanap, may be in his son's corner. The former Nurmagomedov was unable to do so because of visa problems for fights in the United States.

"One of the most important things for Khabib is that his father will be in his corner," Abdelaziz said. "It's worth so much more than a lot of money. Money is important, but his father is able to pin it down, it's something that's worth so much more. "

UFC 242 will take place on September 7th^th in Abu Dhabi. Khabib's teammate, Islam Makhachev, also participated in the fight that took place in October, during the battle of UFC 229. He will face ADCC champion Davi Ramos.