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LAS VEGAS – Khabib Nurmagomedov is different, according to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz.

UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) has competed against a dozen opponents under the promotion’s banner. No one has been able to defeat him.

In April 2018, Nurmagomedov defeated Al Iaquinta for the UFC’s vacant lightweight strap. In October of the same year, he successfully defended his title for the first time when he submitted Conor McGregor at UFC 229.

Most recently, Nurmagomedov submitted Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 in September. Now he’s matched up with Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, an event which is currently scheduled to take place on April 18, though a location has yet to be determined with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc on the promotion’s plans.

When it comes to how a champion defends their title, Dominance MMA CEO Abdelaziz thinks champions should chase the dollar signs. However, Abdelaziz said Nurmagomedov is different.

“(Champions should focus on) getting paid – except for one guy,” Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie at Dominance MMA’s recent media day at Park Theater. “I think everybody should get paid. Khabib is not about getting paid. He’s a little different. I think he should fight for money. That’s what he’s doing this for, (but) Khabib is a little bit different.

“When he leaves, we’re all going to miss him – the way he handled the sport (and) handled himself. I think Khabib could fight for five more years, but if he retired tomorrow, I’m happy. If he fought a fight tomorrow, I’m happy. I want him to do what he wants.”

Check out Ali Abdelaziz’s comments in the video above.