The rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov has set an unforgettable standard for animosity in the MMA world, and it’s a topic that still gets talked about frequently. Their bitter feud reached a boiling point, and even today, both continue to take jabs at one another. Meanwhile, given that his brother and Bellator champ Usman are preparing to face off against Irishman Paul Hughes, Khabib has once again taken shots at Irish MMA, claiming that the skills coming out of Dagestan are far superior.
The former UFC champ didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts on the current state of Irish MMA. In an interview with PFL MMA, ‘The Eagle’ dismissed it, claiming it falls short compared to the dominance Dagestan has established in the sport. As his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, prepares to face Ireland’s Paul Hughes for the title, Khabib made it clear that he believes Dagestan’s fighters outclass their Irish counterparts.
In his words, “Ireland don’t have fighters, brother. Let’s be honest. How many fighters do you know from Ireland? Paul Hughes and Conor [McGregor], and who else?… Dagestan’s level of MMA here (raises hand) but Ireland… not even half.”
The 🦅 has spoken 🗣️
— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 2, 2025
How do you see it playing out between Dagestan’s Usman Nurmagomedov and Ireland’s Paul Hughes battle for the @BellatorMMA Lightweight World Title 👀#RoadtoDubai | Sat Jan 25 | Coca-Cola Arena | Dubai, UAE pic.twitter.com/CiNP4167kz
Setting the animosity aside, it’s clear that Irish fighters have proven themselves in the world of MMA. Conor McGregor, during the peak of his career, was nearly untouchable. So much so that many believed no one could defeat him. Today, fighters like Ian Garry continue to make their mark, showing off their skills with every fight.
Islam Makhachev Can Surpass Khabib Nurmagomedov At UFC 311
Islam will put his lightweight title on the line against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 for the fourth time. Till now he has defended his lightweight title three times—twice against Alexander Volkanovski and once against Dustin Poirier—since he claimed it from Charles Oliveira. His upcoming fight against Tsarukyan gives him the chance to break a major record by surpassing Khabib Nurmagomedov for the most title defenses in the lightweight division.
Currently, Islam is tied with Khabib Nurmagomedov, B.J. Penn, and Benson Henderson for the most consecutive lightweight title defenses. Consequently, a victory over Tsarukyan at UFC 311 would break the record. This win would not only fuel the debate about whether Makhachev is a better version of Khabib but also cement his status as a legendary fighter in the UFC.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
