Crucial admission from Team Khabib could destroy myth around Nurmagomedov legacy 

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker questions Usman Nurmagomedov's mic skills, which could potentially affect the invincible aura of Team Khabib.

Crucial admission from Team Khabib could destroy myth around Nurmagomedov legacy 

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Usman Nurmagomedov after the recent Bellator title defense (via X)

Usman Nurmagomedov, representing Team Khabib, defended his Bellator lightweight title against Paul Hughes in an intense showdown last weekend. The rivalry between Ireland and Dagestan fueled the fight’s buildup, adding extra drama to the contest. Nurmagomedov triumphed by majority decision, but the victory came after a challenging and closely contested battle.

Going into the fight, Usman Nurmagomedov was extremely confident about his skillset and didn’t take Hughes seriously. He realized his mistake post-fight and accepted it in the interviews. However, according to UFC star Dan Hooker, it was a major mistake by Usman, which could potentially affect their legacy. 

The myth is bigger than the man… I feel like a mistake has been made… When have you ever seen one of the Dagestani boys get on the microphone and say that they were tired, they got hurt, they got pushed to their absolute breaking point?…[Usman Nurmagomedov] humanized himself… I just feel like that is a mistake.

Dan Hooker via The Ariel Helwani Show 

Hooker explained that instead of admitting to the competition, Nurmagomedov should have kept it short and intimidating like other Russian fighters. He gave examples of how Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Khamzat Chimaev, etc., always elevated themselves in the interviews. Hooker understands the worktop fighters put in to keep up an invincibility aura against future opponents.

FS Video

Hooker has once gone against Team Khabib and got brutally submitted in the first round. The Kiwi’s observation comes at an important time given Team Khabib’s latest loss at UFC 311 with Umar Nurmagomedov. Many believe that Usman was very close to losing against Hughes, and it was definitely a close fight.

Ireland vs. Team Khabib Bellator rematch?

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes turned out to be a major success for PFL due to the history between both fighters. For five rounds, both Nurmagomedov and Hughes did everything to stop each other. The fight was filled with technical stoppages, which added to the overall controversy.

Usman Nurmagomedov beats Pual Hughes at PFL Dubai
Usman Nurmagomedov beats Pual Hughes at PFL Dubai (via X)

According to many fans, Hughes was robbed by the judges, however, it didn’t affect the sportsmanship of both teams. Khabib Nurmagomedov made sure to show respect to the whole of Ireland and also invited Hughes to visit Dagestan with his family. The rising Irishman humbly accepted the offer but wants a rematch, but Usman Nurmagomedov isn’t ready for that. 

For rematch? No, he have to win like couple, three, four fight in the Bellator. Because he gave only two fight and they give him title shot.

Usman Nurmagomedov via PFL Dubai post-fight interview 
YouTube video

Ahead of the fight, Usman was expected to become the next UFC lightweight champion after Islam Makhachev‘s retirement. However, the last fight has raised some doubts, and it will be interesting to see how Team Khabib tackles this issue. For now, the team has two championship titles in two different promotions, which is a great achievement.