Khabib Nurmagomedov Warns MMA World About Dagestani Dominance After Usman Nurmagomedov’s PFL Win

After Usman Nurmagomedov's performance at PFL Champions Series 2, Khabib Nurmagomedov underscored the dominance of Dagestani fighters.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Warns MMA World About Dagestani Dominance After Usman Nurmagomedov’s PFL Win

Khabib Nurmagomedov applauds Usman Nurmagomedov's dominance (via The Mirror, MMA Fighting)

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The rise of Dagestani fighters continues to shape the global MMA landscape, as another dominant performance has reignited discussions about their sustained excellence. They have built a respected and commanding reputation due to their relentless grappling prowess and strength. Such was the case when UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov recognized Usman Nurmagomedov‘s win at PFL: Road to Dubai.

Usman made his name in the now-dissolved promotion, Bellator, and proved all doubters wrong when he defeated Irish star Paul Hughes in their much-anticipated rematch. Their first fight ended in a closely contested bout with Nurmagomedov being declared the winner via majority decision. However, in the second fight, Nurmagomedov defeated the Irishman to win the inaugural PFL lightweight championship.

The retired lightweight legend and mentor to many of Dagestan’s top fighters recently spoke about the unstoppable momentum of his countrymen. His comments came after Usman’s victory at the PFL event, reaffirming the high standards set by Dagestani competitors on the international stage. He spoke about the dominance of his fellow countrymen in the ring after his cousin’s win.

We just beginning guys… It’s gonna be very difficult to kick us out from this cage because all day we train, train, repeat, eat, train and train. That’s why we’re the best in the world.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via PFL

Dagestani fighters are increasingly becoming a force across multiple organizations. Their approach, rooted in years of wrestling and sambo, continues to overwhelm opponents who struggle to match their pace and ground control. The success of fighters like former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov demonstrated a unified fighting philosophy.

Khabib has been the primary trailblazer for mainstream Dagestani dominance in the MMA community. His dominant performances against the likes of Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier have cemented him as the ‘one who never bled inside the Octagon’. However, after his retirement in 2020, Nurmagomedov began coaching fighters to follow in his path.

Even in retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov remains a guiding figure, mentoring the next wave of champions through his team at the American Kickboxing Academy and his coaching presence in significant events. However, Usman Nurmagomedov’s performance only proved his cousin’s comments, and he will undoubtedly continue his winning run in the future.

Fans react to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments on Usman Nurmagomedov’s win

Fans online were quick to react to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s message following Usman Nurmagomedov’s dominant win over Paul Hughes. Many praised both fighters for maintaining Dagestan’s proud legacy in MMA, crediting Khabib’s mentorship for shaping another generation of world-class athletes. Supporters highlighted Usman’s calm composure, technical control, and strategic discipline.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Usman Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov Usman Nurmagomedov (via BBC)

However, not all fans were impressed by the Dagestani approach to competition. A section of the audience criticized the grappling-heavy style commonly used by fighters from the region, labeling it repetitive and lacking excitement compared to striking matchups. The conversation reignited the long-running debate among MMA enthusiasts about the balance between dominance and entertainment value.

Another group of fans turned the discussion toward Usman Nurmagomedov’s recent PED controversy, questioning the legitimacy of his continued dominance. While the lightweight star has maintained his winning form, critics argued that the shadow of the suspension still lingers over his achievements.

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