Khabib says supporting Palestine has cost him financially.
Khabib urges influential people to use their platforms and speak out against the ongoing suffering in Gaza.
- Speaking at a Miftaah Institute event in New Jersey on August 8, 2026, he said brands cancel contracts with athletes who post about Gaza, even if they are not actively campaigning.
- He emphasized that financial losses are insignificant compared to the loss of life and suffering experienced by Palestinians in Gaza.
- Khabib urged athletes, celebrities, and public figures to use their platforms to raise awareness, saying, “Just don’t be quiet.”
- He has previously expressed a dream of opening a “Khabib Gym” in Palestine and helping train local athletes, as well as hoping for an independent Palestinian state with its own airport in Gaza.
professional opportunities for refusing to stay silent on Gaza. Speaking at an event organized by the Miftaah Institute in New Jersey on Saturday, August 8, the 37-year-old Dagestani legend acknowledged that taking a stand has real consequences but insisted that “money compared to lives is nothing.”
A platform with a price
Khabib’s remarks came during a wider conversation about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the responsibility of public figures to speak out. He described how simply posting about Palestine on social media can lead brands to cancel contracts, even when athletes are not actively campaigning but merely expressing solidarity. Not even support, just say something, they cancel contracts,” he said. He added that this has happened not only to him but also to current UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and his cousin, lightweight fighter Usman Nurmagomedov. It’s happened with us. We lost money too,” Khabib said, according to clips shared from the event.
“Just don’t be quiet”
Despite the financial hit, Khabib stressed that the suffering of Palestinians far outweighs any personal loss. He urged athletes, celebrities, and anyone with a following to use their platforms to raise awareness, even if they cannot provide direct aid. “Okay, you cannot do nothing, but just don’t be like quiet,” he said. “Everybody watch, ‘Okay, this is bad’ and that’s it. They don’t do nothing. And this is honestly, this is very sad thing.” For Khabib, sharing information and refusing silence is itself a form of support, especially when families in Gaza are losing multiple relatives and entire neighborhoods are being erased.
A long-term vision for Palestine
Khabib’s support for Palestine is not new. Over the past two years, he has repeatedly used interviews and social media to highlight the situation in Gaza and call for an independent Palestinian state. At a Miftaah Institute event in Michigan in November 2025, he outlined a personal dream: to one day open a “Khabib Gym” in Palestine, bring in experienced coaches, and train local athletes who could represent their country on the world stage. He also spoke of hoping to see Palestinians build “a beautiful airport in Gaza” as part of a sovereign nation. These remarks reflect a broader ambition to contribute to Palestinian life beyond statements of solidarity, investing in sports and youth development if conditions ever allow.
The wider context
Khabib’s comments arrive amid growing scrutiny of how athletes and entertainers navigate political issues. While some stars have faced backlash for speaking on Gaza, others have remained silent, fearing professional repercussions. Khabib’s willingness to detail his own losses—lost contracts, lost sponsorships, lost income—offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the trade-offs involved. His message is clear: even when speaking out comes at a personal cost, staying silent is not an option when lives are at stake.