Khabib Nurmagomedov has admitted he had "no idea" how much he was being paid for his UFC title clash with Al Iaquinta in 2018.
The Russian star is considered one of the greatest fighter's in the promotion's history having reigned as lightweight champion for three years before retiring with an undefeated record.
He became lightweight champion when he defeated Iaquinta by decision over a five-round distance at UFC 223.
However Nurmagomedov has explained that he never asked UFC president Dana White about money and gave the role to his manager Ali Abdelaziz.
"Now I understand why I have good relationship with Dana because I don't fight for money," Nurmagomedov told Sky Sports. "That's why. I never asked Dana or [the] UFC like about money.
"My manager was [dealing] with them. But I remember when I suppose to fight first time for the title, I was like in Brooklyn in 2018. After the weigh-in.
"People talk about money, how much they make, and I'm like, 'Ali [Abdelaziz], how much would I make for this fight?' He's like, 'You serious?' I don't know how much I make.
"Because I don't pay attention in this kind of fight because I was there to become champion, my goal was not to make money in this sport but I don't judge guys who fight for money.
"They have to take care of their families and kids but I am not against them at all, I know one thing though if you sign the deal and the contract you have to fight."
Nurmagomedov went on later to fight in arguably the biggest fight of his career against bitter rival Conor McGregor later in 2018.
The fight generated huge interest and remains the highest-selling UFC pay-per-view of all time with around two million sold.
He further cemented his legacy in the sport by the winning the fight with a brutal submission which sparked chaotic scenes after McGregor tapped out.
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Nurmagomedov's career continued on an upward trajectory as he defended his title against Dustin Poirier a year later with another trademark submission.
After years of waiting, Nurmagomedov then signed to face rival Tony Ferguson after multiple failed attempts but the fight was derailed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nurmagomedov then fought Justin Gaethje in his final fight with the promotion recording a second round submission before opting to retire as an undefeated champion.
During his time in the UFC, Nurmagomedov had a good working relationship with kingpin White and he continues to do so as he launches his own MMA promotion Eagle FC.
He has revealed he is "excited" for his new venture and believes it can become the best promotion in the world.
"I just want to watch where we are gonna be in a year," Nurmagomedov continued. "I am really excited about this.
"I am not here to be number three or number two, I am here to become the best promotion in the world. We have a new system but in a couple of years I think people will understand who is who."
