Lightweight ‘GOAT’ Khabib Nurmagomedov has been in the news lately for his controversial remarks. The retired, undefeated UFC legend made headway in the promotion by putting together an impressive 13-fight win streak, finishing on top with a 29-0 record. During his run, Nurmagomedov cemented his place as one of the best to ever do it, and now he’s hoping to pave the way for the next generation in Umar Nurmagomedov to replicate his success at UFC 311.
Following his father’s plan, Team Khabib has inserted his proteges in every organization. UFC 311 will mark one of the biggest nights for the Dagestani camp, featuring fighters vying for two world titles. While Islam Makhachev is on a warpath of taking over the lightweight division, Nurmagomedov’s younger cousin is prepared to claim his stake in the moniker of the ‘Eagle’ after UFC 311.
I am the younger brother, and younger eagle, it means not age but new generation. It was never been about age and we can’t both be eagles…If I am just eagle he old eagle…He already retired, I think 18th January I will deserve this name, no more young, just eagle.
Umar Nurmagomedov via Javier Mendez
The first pay-per-view of 2025 is likely to kickstart the UFC fever among fans with blockbuster fights. Coach Khabib certainly has a tall task ahead of him, and it looks like he has to part ways with his nickname after his brother’s possible success. Nurmagomedov has echoed similar sentiments as a younger brother, advising old-school legends to put down the gloves.
👏🦅Umar Nurmagomedov calls himself ‘Just Eagle’ and Khabib ‘Old Eagle’:
“I think on January 18th, I will deserve this name – Eagle. No more young, just Eagle.”😁
🎥 @akajav ▫️ pic.twitter.com/0UavJ9Neo8
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 4, 2025
Team AKA will see, in the same week, three of its stars fighting in a world title setup in two different organizations. Nurmagomedov outlined the wealth of Dagestani champions as a mark of their complete takeover of the sport, taking another dig at arch-rival Conor McGregor. Coach Khabib took to X to defend his take on the ‘Dagestani takeover’ in face of mounting criticism.
Khabib Nurmagomedov issues challenge to entire world of MMA leading up to historic UFC 311 and PFL fight week
‘The Eagle’ has been quite vocal about his sentiments and how his compatriots have taken over the sport. The 36-year-old retired mixed martial artist has taken on the job of the coach following the conclusion of his career in 2020. The Dagestani native believes their crop of fighters is far superior to all the countries put together.
Khabib Nurmagomedov goes nuclear on critics doubling down on dagestani takeover leading up to UFC 311 (Image via Open Source)In a X post, Nurmagomedov laid out receipts of inserting champions in every major MMA organization. Moreover, he boasted contenders, top-ranked players in every division, hinting at a complete Dagestani sweep of MMA soon. In his post, he issued an open challenge to the MMA world and his critics to combat his fighters in a vs. setup.
When it comes to professional MMA, we have champions, contenders, and ranked fighters in every major league. Show me Irish fighters who are currently title contenders in the top 3 MMA promotions. At best, you might be able to name 1 or 2 fighters.
Khabib Nurmagomedov via X
You can say whatever you want, but if we’re talking about facts, you can’t compare Irish fighters with fighters from Dagestan. We dominate amateur MMA, and it’s not even close—not just compared to Irish fighters but the whole world. I’m absolutely confident that if we were to…
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 3, 2025
There is some truth to these bold claims, as in UFC, every major division features a Dagestani fighter vying for the top prize. Success at UFC 311 will propel Nurmagomedov to join his teammate Islam Makhachev and brother, Khabib Nurmagomedov, as a UFC champion. The 36-year-old has hinted at another wave of fighters that will break into the top ranks, taking over the sport completely.
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