Former UFC light-weight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has reignited his rivalry with Eire and its fighters after making controversial remarks concerning the state of Irish MMA. Talking in a latest 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
“Eire don’t have fighters, brother,” Khabib Nurmagomedov mentioned. “Let’s be sincere. What number of fighters have you learnt from Eire? Paul Hughes and Conor [McGregor], and who else? There isn’t any fighter, brother.” He went additional, evaluating the talent ranges between the 2 areas: “Dagestan degree of MMA [is] right here,” he mentioned, gesturing excessive, “however Eire degree? Not even half of Dagestan degree.”
Khabib’s feedback come simply weeks earlier than a serious conflict between his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, and Eire’s Paul Hughes for the Bellator light-weight title on January 25, 2025. The struggle has already been dubbed “Dagestan vs. Eire 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 mentioned, “Simply wait until I get my palms on yo boy,” in a pointed message aimed 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 at all times revered Khabib and his crew; they’re unbelievable fighters,” Until mentioned. “However for him to sit down there and say fighters from Eire are low-level? Contemplating the dimensions distinction between Russia and Eire, Eire is definitely approach forward.
“Eire is so fing small, and Russia is so fing large. Eire has produced wonderful fighters over time. Simply based mostly on measurement and manufacturing, Eire wins each time. This isn’t me being biased—I’m not mates with Khabib’s aspect or Eire’s aspect—I’m simply 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 struggle is now below even higher scrutiny.
