Former UFC light-weight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has reignited his rivalry with Eire and its fighters after making controversial remarks in regards to the state of Irish MMA. Talking in a current interview with the PFL, Nurmagomedov downplayed Eire’s contributions to blended martial arts, claiming its expertise pool pales compared to that of his native Dagestan.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Eire
“Ireland don’t have fighters, brother,” Khabib Nurmagomedov stated. “Let’s be honest. How many fighters do you know from Ireland? Paul Hughes and Conor [McGregor], and who else? There is no fighter, brother.” He went additional, evaluating the talent ranges between the 2 areas: “Dagestan level of MMA [is] here,” he stated, gesturing excessive, “but Ireland level? Not even half of Dagestan level.”
Khabib’s feedback come simply weeks earlier than a significant conflict between his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, and Eire’s Paul Hughes for the Bellator light-weight title on January 25, 2025. The battle has already been dubbed “Dagestan vs. Ireland 2.0,” a callback to the heated Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor bout at UFC 229 in 2018.
Paul Hughes wasted no time firing again. Responding to Khabib’s remarks, he stated, “Just wait till I get my hands on yo boy,” in a pointed message geared toward Usman Nurmagomedov.
Darren Until
Among the many voices reacting to Khabib’s statements was former UFC contender Darren Until, who got here to Eire’s protection. Until, recognized for his bluntness, identified the spectacular achievements of Irish MMA regardless of the nation’s small inhabitants.
“I’ve always respected Khabib and his team; they are fantastic fighters,” Until stated. “However for him to take a seat there and say fighters from Eire are low-level? Contemplating the dimensions distinction between Russia and Eire, Eire is definitely manner forward.
“Ireland is so fing small, and Russia is so fing big. Ireland has produced amazing fighters over the years. Just based on size and production, Ireland wins every time. This is not me being biased—I’m not friends with Khabib’s side or Ireland’s side—I’m just stating my opinion.”
Khabib’s remarks have reignited a long-standing stress between Dagestan and Eire in MMA, drawing robust reactions from followers and fighters alike. Whereas some view his feedback as an extension of his rivalry with McGregor. The upcoming Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes battle is now beneath even better scrutiny.
