A highly respected figure in mixed martial arts has indicated that the UFC may no longer be actively seeking to recruit fighters from Dagestan or Russia. This comes as Dagestani athletes, renowned for their world-class Sambo and Judo expertise, have consistently demonstrated an ability to overpower strikers while minimizing damage taken. Khabib Nurmagomedov set a remarkable precedent, and now fighters such as the current pound-for-pound king and two-division champion Islam Makhachev, alongside Umar Nurmagomedov and others, are continuing this legacy.
Outside the UFC, Usman Nurmagomedov has also showcased this dominant Dagestani fighting style with considerable success.
However, a segment of the MMA fanbase reportedly favors more action-packed striking exchanges over wrestling-heavy approaches. Consequently, athletes with strong wrestling foundations sometimes feel pressured to adapt their fighting strategies to better entertain audiences, satisfy matchmakers, and potentially earn performance bonuses.
Several Russian and Dagestani fighters, including Khamzat Chimaev, Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Movsar Evloev, have faced scrutiny regarding their wrestling-centric styles at various points in their careers. In response, they have sometimes ventured beyond their primary strengths to showcase their all-around skills.
Khamzat Chimaev, for instance, recently lost his title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328. In that particular bout, Chimaev largely opted for striking exchanges rather than attempting to take Strickland down and control him on the ground.
Similarly, Movsar Evloev, aiming to impress matchmakers, chose to engage in striking with Lerone Murphy at UFC London. He found success on the feet and is now widely expected to receive the next featherweight title shot.
Demetrious Johnson Shares Rumor Regarding UFC’s Signing Policy for Dagestani and Russian Fighters
During a recent conversation with Georges St-Pierre, Demetrious Johnson revealed that he had heard a rumor suggesting the UFC might be less inclined to sign new Russian or Dagestani fighters. He elaborated:
“I heard a rumor recently that they’re not letting any more Dagestani’s or Russian guys in the organization, because they’re that f*cking good!… Can you imagine more Umar Nurmagomedov? The guy who is a striker [and can also take you down and finish you on the ground, submit you].”
You can find Demetrious Johnson’s comments in the video below:
