Islam Makhachev Reflects on the Positive Impact ‘2-3 Years’ Meme Had on Dagestan

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev reveals why how the popular "2-3 years Dagestan" meme boosted Dagestan tourism.

Islam Makhachev Reflects on the Positive Impact ‘2-3 Years’ Meme Had on Dagestan

Islam Makhachev's reaction to 2-3 years meme (via MMA Mania)

Islam Makhachev is one of the most influential figures in modern combat sports today. The Dagestani star is a two-division UFC champion and holds a 16-fight win streak in the promotion. However, a lighthearted interview moment with Daniel Cormier went viral globally in recent years. The UFC welterweight champion recently reflected on how that simple phrase grew into a global talking point.

All of this began in 2024 when Makhachev sat down with Cormier ahead of his UFC 302 title defense against Dustin Poirier. DC discussed bringing his son to Dagestan to train in wrestling and experience its elite system. Makhachev jokingly responded that his son should instead stay in Dagestan alone for two to three years. That remark sparked the viral “2–3 years Dagestan and forget” meme that spread online.

The meme quickly became a viral sensation across MMA edits and social media content worldwide. It was widely used in highlight reels and introduced many outside the MMA community to Dagestan. The phrase highlighted the region’s discipline and elite wrestling culture to global audiences. Makhachev recently said he was surprised by how far the meme spread and its positive impact on Dagestan tourism.

Whoever I meet, any athlete, whoever I meet any athlete, I met (Novak) Djokovic. He told me that even in the PSG locker room the say, ‘Hey, send him to Dagestan for 2-3 years.’ Joshua the boxer comes up to me and says, ‘Hey I want to go for two-three years. Can I make a t-shirt that says 2-3 years Dagestan?’. I said of course you can. Let’s call it sport’s tourism, in our gym you can barely get in or out because people are constantly comin in to take photos or just one training session.

Islam Makhachev via Adam Zubayraev

At a PFL Dubai event in February 2026, Makhachev was seen backstage with former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The two exchanged lighthearted words about the “2–3 years Dagestan” phrase. Joshua jokingly tried to bargain for a shorter time period, suggesting it sounded too long. He then humorously hinted that he would prefer only two to three weeks in Dagestan instead of years.

While the internet turned the moment into memes and humorous edits, Cormier took a more serious approach to the idea. He reportedly sent eight kids from his wrestling academy to Dagestan for training and cultural exposure. The trip was designed to immerse them in the region’s disciplined wrestling environment. DC later revealed that the experience significantly benefited their development.

The meme grew beyond a lighthearted online joke and became tied to Dagestan’s wrestling identity. It highlighted the region’s disciplined training culture and reputation for producing elite fighters. It also inspired aspiring athletes to travel to Dagestan to improve their skill. Islam Makhachev now continues his preparation for his welterweight title defense against Ian Garry at UFC 330 in August 2026.

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Islam Makhachev reveals major hurdle for PFL champion teammate’s UFC ambitions

Usman Nurmagomedov is a major rising force in MMA outside the UFC today. The undefeated phenom dominated the Bellator lightweight division and established himself as champion through a strong run from 2022 to 2025. However, after Bellator’s dissolution, Nurmagomedov defeated Paul Hughes in a rematch to capture the PFL lightweight title at PFL Champions Series 2 in October 2025.

Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov
Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov (via X)

UFC fighter pay remains heavily criticized, with many fighters arguing earnings do not match event revenue. UFC CEO Dana White has defended the system, pointing to bonuses and exposure as key benefits. Despite this, concerns about fairness and contracts persist throughout the sport. Islam Makhachev recently suggested that UFC pay could influence the PFL champion’s decision to join the UFC.

To fully realize his potential, he needs tougher opponents. They push you to grow. I think Usman still has room to improve. I don’t know, you have to weigh it. In PFL, they pay much more. The UFC doesn’t like paying that much. If Usman signs, I think (he will get) half the purse he gets in PFL. The UFC won’t pay that. I think there’s still time. If he works out one more (PFL) contract, three fights, he won’t be late for anything. Let the UFC make him an offer he can’t refuse. But if they offer a small purse, what’s the point?

Islam Makhachev via Adam Zubayraev

Usman Nurmagomedov was widely viewed as a future successor to Islam Makhachev’s lightweight crown after his retirement. However, with Makhachev now at welterweight, the UFC lightweight division has opened up further. This has fueled talk that the 28-year-old PFL phenom could debut at 155 pounds in the UFC. However, fighter pay remains a major issue influencing such career decisions.

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