Usman Nurmagomedov claimed he can ‘smash’ Paul Hughes and potential cornerman Conor McGregor.
This drama has erupted as the Bellator lightweight champion Usman, with his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, is scheduled to fight Irishman Paul Hughes later this month.
As the cousins are teaming up, Hughes called for the backup of McGregor in his corner.
McGregor has stated his intention to be at the event but it is unknown in what capacity.
Nurmagomedov has a record of 18-0 but some fans believe Hughes could be the one to give the Dagestani his first loss.
Especially after a well earned split decision win with Cristiano Ronaldo in attendance against A.J.McKee, despite being the underdog.
In an interview with CBS Sports, Nurmagomedov said: “ It’s not a tough challenge, let’s be honest. The toughest challenge in my career was my last fight. This guy is not a tough challenge. Who said A.J.McKee is a tough guy? Maybe for [Hughes] but not for me.
“A.J. McKee is a small, short guy. Paul Hughes is too. Look at this guy’s fights, and then look at my fight with [Alexander] Shabliy then you will understand our level.”
When asked about McGregor, he replied: “It doesn’t matter. Even if Conor comes to the cage, I can smash both these guys. I don’t care.”
MMA fans are waiting eagerly for Saturday 25th January in Dubai when the ‘Big News’ attempts to erase Usman’s undefeated status.
Khabib added fuel to the fire as he claimed ‘Ireland don’t have fighters’ other than Hughes and McGregor.
The fight has been billed as Ireland versus Dagestan 2, attempting to recapture some of the excitement of when Khabib defeated McGregor in 2018.
One of the most iconic MMA bouts in the sport’s history, it is remembered best for the brawl that followed.
Khabib, unsatisfied with his fourth-round victory over the Irishman, sparked the altercation, which resulted in a nine-month suspension and a $500,000 fine for the legendary fighter.
By the end of this month Dagestan could have two UFC champions if Islam Makhachev can defend his belt against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 and Umar Nurmagomedov – brother of Usman – defeats Merab Dvalishvili on the same card.
They have been tearing through MMA thanks to their close knit relationship and training.
So close in fact Usman named Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap the MMA GOAT over the likes of Jon Jones, because he had a big impact on the rise of the Dagestani fighters as their head coach.
The next promising fighter out of the Republic of Ireland is Ian Garry but he derailed on his journey to the UFC welterweight strap after a unanimous decision loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov.