Khabib reveals Muslim MMA fighters lost deals over Palestine support
The former UFC lightweight champion made the claim during a talk hosted by the Miftah Institute in New Jersey. He discussed the financial risks athletes may face when they publicly speak about political and humanitarian issues.
Khabib said he had personally experienced financial losses because of his support for Palestinians. However, he stressed that the money lost was small compared with the suffering faced by civilians.
“You think it’s not happening with me? It’s happened with us. We lost money too,” Khabib said.
Khabib highlights financial cost
The former champion said athletes and other public figures can face consequences when they use their platforms to speak about sensitive international issues.
Despite the financial impact, Khabib said he did not believe such losses should stop people from raising awareness. He argued that public figures have an opportunity to reach millions of people through their social media accounts and other platforms.
According to Khabib, speaking out does not always mean donating large amounts of money or organising major campaigns. He said simply sharing information and refusing to remain silent can also help draw attention to the suffering of civilians.
“Just don’t be quiet,” he said.
Khabib has previously used his public profile to express support for Palestinians. He has also encouraged people with influence to use their platforms to discuss the humanitarian situation.
Muslim MMA fighters mentioned
During the discussion, Khabib said he, Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov had faced financial consequences connected to their support for Palestine.
“Islam and I have lost contracts over Palestine support,” he said.
His comments suggest that the issue affected more than one fighter within the wider Muslim MMA community. However, the remarks did not provide details about which contracts or sponsorship agreements were allegedly lost.
Khabib’s comments also drew attention to the wider pressure faced by athletes who speak publicly on controversial international issues. Sports personalities often have major audiences, making their statements capable of reaching people far beyond the sporting world.
Athletes urged to speak out
Khabib said celebrities, athletes and other influential figures should consider their responsibility when civilians are suffering. He suggested that people with large audiences can contribute by spreading information, even when they cannot directly change events.
He also made clear that financial sacrifice should not be compared with the human cost of conflict. For him, losing a contract or sponsorship is far less serious than the loss of civilian lives.
The former UFC champion’s remarks reflect a growing debate about the role of athletes in international affairs. Many sports stars now use social media to comment on humanitarian crises, wars and other major global issues.
At the same time, public statements can create professional risks. Sponsors and organisations may have different views on political subjects, potentially creating tensions when athletes publicly express their positions.
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What Khabib’s comments mean
Khabib’s remarks highlight the difficult position of athletes who have large public platforms. Their support for humanitarian causes can raise awareness, but it may also affect business relationships.
The comments also show why some sports personalities remain cautious about political and international issues. A public statement can quickly reach millions of followers and attract both support and criticism.
For Khabib, however, the financial consequences appear less important than speaking about the suffering of Palestinians. His message was simple: people with influence should not remain silent when they believe civilians are facing serious hardship.
