Michael Bisping doesn't believe Khabib Nurmagomedov will face punishment for alleged tax fraud - "He's pretty tight with Putin"
Michael Bisping seemingly believes that Khabib Nurmagomedov is unlikely to face major punitive action over his alleged tax evasion issues. 'The Count' indicated that Nurmagomedov's cordial relations with longtime Russian President, Vladimir Putin, could help him.
Earlier this month (May 2024), a report from Russian outlet Mash suggested that Nurmagomedov owed around 306 million rubles (i.e., 3.3 million USD) in unpaid taxes to Russia's FTS (Federal Tax Services). Apparently, Russian authorities discovered inconsistencies in the documentation of some of Nurmagomedov's businesses (Eagle FC MMA, his charitable organization, and other businesses).
The Mash report seemed to indicate that Khabib Nurmagomedov allegedly used unpaid tax funds to purchase hotels and start-ups in the UAE and Turkey. The Russian government reportedly froze his business-related bank accounts. Subsequently, reports emerged that Team Nurmagomedov emphatically denied the allegations.
In a recent edition of the Believe You Me podcast, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping spoke to his co-hosts, including UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith, about the case. They acknowledged the possibility that 'The Eagle' could face a fine, jail time, and forced labor if found guilty.
Regardless, the duo highlighted that President Vladimir Putin's political power in Russia could ensure that Nurmagomedov wouldn't get a harsh punishment. Bisping stated:
"I don't know. I mean, Khabib is representing Russia on the world stage for a long time. And Russia, I mean, just like every bl*ody government's crooked as hell, and Russia is right up there with the best. But I would think that with Khabib being one of the..."
Smith chimed in by saying:
"He's pretty tight with Putin. That's what I'm trying to say. And with him f**king repping Russia to the highest, he's got a, it's like, alright, pull him to one side, 'You little d**khead. What are you doing?'"
Jestingly speaking with a Dagestani Russian accent akin to Nurmagomedov, as he's lightheartedly done before, 'The Count' added:
"You have to pay your taxes. What is this bullsh**? Come on. Khabib, pay tax, brother."
Watch Bisping and his podcast co-hosts discuss the topic below (42:44-46:10):
Dana White on President Vladimir Putin purportedly giving Khabib Nurmagomedov multi-million-dollar gifts
During Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith's conversation, they recalled UFC CEO Dana White's comments. White previously asserted that President Putin showered Khabib Nurmagomedov with expensive gifts such as massive property and a lot of money. Bisping notably opined that given Nurmagomedov's history with Putin, the supposed tax issues paint a conflicting picture.
Earlier this year, Dana White appeared on the Games with Names podcast and harked back to the UFC 229 (October 2018) fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. Nurmagomedov won it via fourth-round submission, attacked McGregor's cornermen, and partook in the ensuing brawl.
'The Eagle' faced a massive fine for his actions at the UFC event. White recounted that President Putin was immediately on a call with Nurmagomedov after the fight and later accorded him multi-million-dollar gifts.
White pointed out that Nurmagomedov expanded his business ventures into "Muslim territories," where he was gifted cars, money, gyms, and more. An excerpt from White's statements read:
"Putin gave him [Khabib Nurmagomedov] and his father [Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov], like, $20 million worth of property in Russia."
Check out White's comments below (35:40):