Khabib Nurmagomedov says he cares more about championship belts than money

Khabib Nurmagomedov is riding one of the longest winning streaks for any fighter on the UFC roster.

With 23 wins in a row, the Dagestani lightweight is on the cusp of a title shot, something he values far more than money.

“I care about the belt,” Nurmagomedov said. “I want to finish this fight and fight for the title. I don’t care who has the title, who wins (between Alvarez and McGregor). I don’t care about money.

“I know a lot of fighters fight for the money, but money is not everything for me. I know money is very important for life, but I have money. I never use MMA to make money. MMA for me is about my life, about my blood and about everything I do all my life. Money, I can make money with other stuff. I have money. I have everything. I need the belt.”

Khabib will be taking on Michael Johnson at UFC 205, which will be the promotion’s historic first-ever event in New York.

The undefeated 155 pound fighter most recently finished Darrell Horcher in April. Before that, he defeated former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos back in 2014 and was nursing an injury until the fight with Horcher.

Johnson notched one of the biggest wins in his career after brutally knocking out Dustin Poirier in September. Before that, “The Menace” dropped a decision to Nate Diaz after a disappointing performance.

Johnson will look to capitalize on his new-found momentum following the Poirier knockout while Nurmagomedov attempts to improve his perfect record to 24-0.

UFC 205 will be headlined by a massive main event featuring featherweight champion Conor McGregor looking to become the first fighter to hold belts in two weight classes simultaneously when he takes on lightweight champ Eddie Alvarez.

Who do you see winning between Nurmagomedov and Johnson? Will Khabib remain undefeated? Or will “The Menace” become the first man to hand the Dagestani a loss? Sound off, PENN Nation!