Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s rivalry with Conor McGregor remains one of the most intense and bitter feuds in UFC history. Unlike many rivalries in the sport, which are often fueled by promotional hype, their animosity was undeniably real. Even years after their infamous clash, the bad blood between them shows no signs of fading.
Khabib Nurmagomedov recently talked about Ireland’s lack of representation at the top of the MMA world. It was a direct dig at McGregor’s old promise of the Irish taking over UFC. In order to mock the ‘Notorious,’ Nurmagomedov shared an edit on his Instagram which essentially showed the rise of Dagestani fighters.Â
We came and made actions over words.Â
Khabib Nurmagomedov via InstagramÂ
Conor McGregor’s original comment was during his debut UFC fight where he made a promise that didn’t come to fruition. Apart from him, only Ian Garry has made it into the UFC and recently lost his undefeated streak. On the other hand, from Team Khabib, Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov have already achieved top status.Â
All this started with anticipation of the upcoming Bellator title fight between Ireland’s Paul Hughes and Khabib’s cousin Usman Nurmagomedov. Hughes didn’t like the Dagestani’s comments about Ireland and mocked him by mentioning that McGregor made the ‘Eagle’ famous. This further worsened the rivalry and it has increased the hype around the fight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov explains why Dagestan creates fightersÂ
It was Khabib Nurmagomedov who put Dagestan on the map with his 29-0 MMA record, dominating the UFC lightweight division. His grappling showcased Dagestan’s wrestling and Sambo culture, while his pride in his roots and Islamic values inspired millions. His success highlighted Dagestan as a hub of elite combat sports talent and later got worldwide recognition.
Khabib Nurmagomedov with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (via X)Currently, there are more than 10 fighters from Dagestan, who are fighting in the UFC and have shown incredible talent. In an interview, Nurmagomedov revealed the real reason behind the fighting culture in Dagestan. According to the ‘Eagle’, most of the kids there grow up doing wrestling in general.
I think genetic. I think mountains and tough life and I think traditional. Our tradition is wrestling, everybody wrestles. In Dagestan, even in streets, they wrestle.Â
Khabib Nurmagomedov via WAHED
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Since his retirement, Nurmagomedov has shifted his focus towards full-time coaching his teammates. At the upcoming UFC 311, he would like to achieve his father’s goal of making his cousins champions. With Umar Nurmagomedov potentially winning the title at UFC 311, Team Khabib will hand three reigning champions.
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