Ex-UFC Star Schaub disagrees with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Claims Dagestani Fighters Aren’t Signed Because They’re Not ‘Finishers’

Former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub has brushed aside Khabib Nurmagomedov’s claim that promotions do not sign Dagestani fighters because they win everything. Khabib had stated that organizations are worried that whoever comes out from his region “can become a champion”. But Schaub has a different, not-so flattering take — that the perceived ‘boring’ fighting style of the Dagestanis is a turn off for the promotions.

The Dagestani fighters are undeniably talented. However, Schaub argued that their wrestling-heavy style leads to a lack of excitement inside the arena, making them less marketable. It is a sport where entertainment value often dictates opportunities, after all. 

“So when he goes there are organizations that won’t sign Dagestanis because they know they’re going to be champions. It’s because they know they can not make money off them. Because in general their styles are not the best in terms of what the masses want to see. There is no Dagestani knockout artist. They’re not really finishers,” said the former UFC heavyweight fighter on his YouTube channel.

Schaub emphasized that the rise of Khabib to superstardom wasn’t purely based on his dominance. It was amplified by his rivalry with Conor McGregor. Without that heated feud and McGregor’s larger-than-life persona, Khabib’s fights may not have garnered as much attention.

The Dagestani style of fighting does produce undefeated champions inside the octagon. But until very recently, it lacked the flashy, back-and-forth excitement that makes fights marketable. For that, the Dagestanis have always needed opponents who can generate drama and create a narrative that keeps the fans engaged, added Schaub.

Take bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov for instance. His humble demeanor has done very little to sell the upcoming title fight against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311. The fight only garnered hype after Merab lost his cool and went after Umar during the presser.

Khabib has possibly picked up the trick now. He seems to be using it to create interest in Usman Nurmagomedov’s Bellator lightweight title defense against Paul Hughes later this month.

Khabib’s Ireland vs. Dagestan fight gains momentum

In a recent interview with PFL, Khabib suggested that when it comes to fighters, Ireland just doesn’t stack up to Dagestan.

“Ireland don’t have fighters, brother, let’s be honest,” Khabib had said. “How many fighters do you know from Ireland? Paul Hughes and Conor. Who else? You come to Dagestan you [would] know [the difference].” 

His comments sparked a response from Darren Till, who argued that considering the size difference with Russia, Ireland’s MMA scene was doing quite well.

Khabib doubled down, pointing out that Dagestan dominates the amateur level and boasts champions and top contenders across major MMA promotions. With his own undefeated career, and Islam Makhachev currently ruling the UFC’s lightweight division, Khabib felt that Dagestan’s record speaks for itself.

In response, McGregor posted a video of himself in his prime vs. Khabib and Islam in theirs. It was an interestingly edited video that showed him punching people’s lights while the Dagestanis were wrestling their opponents. But it did little to counter Khabib’s arguments about Ireland.

Khabib’s comment may not have been made to garner attention. However, he has managed just that, hyping the Usman vs Hughes fight despite McGregor’s absence from the Irish fighter’s corner.