Khabib Nurmagomedov mentioned Conor McGregor in his statement Ireland has no fighters; we are the real champions

Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has once again stirred controversy with his outspoken remarks about MMA in Ireland. He boldly compared the Irish MMA scene to his own Dagestan, claiming that Ireland lacks serious fighters beyond the likes of Conor McGregor and Paul Hughes. These comments come ahead of a major fight between Usman Nurmagomedov (Khabib’s cousin) and Ireland’s Paul Hughes at Bellator, which is being dubbed as “Dagestan vs. Ireland 2.” This title echoes Khabib’s legendary clash with McGregor at UFC 229 in 2018, where Khabib obliterated McGregor in one of the most infamous UFC fights of all time. But Khabib was quick to brush aside any illusions of equality between the two countries when it comes to MMA.

Khabib’s Savage Remarks About Ireland’s MMA

Khabib did not hold back when asked about the comparison between Dagestan and Ireland. He bluntly stated, “Ireland has no fighters, my friend. Be honest: how many fighters come from Ireland? Paul Hughes and Conor McGregor. And who else is there?” His words are a direct jab at the Irish MMA scene, exposing what he sees as its lack of depth and talent. He further emphasized his point by claiming that Dagestan is far superior in terms of MMA skills: “The level of Dagestan MMA is far higher. Ireland doesn’t even come close to half of what we have.” Khabib also mentioned that international organizations fear signing Dagestani fighters because they know they’re potential champions in the making.

Usman Nurmagomedov: Dagestan’s Unstoppable Force

While Khabib criticizes Ireland, his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov is making waves in the MMA world. With an undefeated record of 18 wins, including 8 knockouts and 6 submissions, Usman is rapidly becoming one of the most feared fighters in the sport. In contrast, Paul Hughes—while a talented fighter—has a far less impressive legacy, with only 13 wins and 1 loss. Even though Hughes has made his mark by becoming the first fighter since Conor McGregor to win the Cage Warriors featherweight belt, he still falls short when measured against the relentless dominance of fighters from Dagestan.

Dagestan vs Ireland: A Cultural Showdown in the Cage

The fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes is more than just a personal rivalry. It represents a cultural clash between two MMA powerhouses. Dagestan has produced some of the world’s most dominant fighters, and Ireland—though proud of McGregor’s legacy—still struggles to match the raw intensity and elite training that comes from Dagestan. This upcoming match is also historic, being the first major MMA event held in Dubai, thanks to a partnership between PFL and Dubai’s sports agencies.

Khabib’s Post-Retirement Role: Still the Mastermind Behind Dagestan’s MMA Success

Although Khabib retired from active competition in 2020 following his win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, he continues to wield significant influence in the MMA world. Now serving as a coach to fighters like Islam Makhachev and his cousin Usman, Khabib is proving that his impact is far from over. With two major title fights scheduled for the end of January, Khabib will once again be by the side of his fighters, showing the world just how deeply Dagestan dominates the MMA scene.

Conclusion: Dagestan’s Supremacy in MMA Remains Unmatched

Khabib’s bold claims and undeniable success of Dagestani fighters make it clear: Dagestan is lightyears ahead of Ireland in MMA. Usman and the Dagestani crew are set to crush anyone who dares to step into the cage, and Ireland simply can’t keep up. The fight between Usman and Hughes is just the latest chapter in this battle for MMA supremacy, and it’s hard to imagine any outcome other than a massive Dagestan victory.