Recent exchanges between UFC fighters Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria have rekindled discussions about a potential rivalry between two prominent Caucasus regions known for producing top martial artists.
Dagestan has a rich history of developing elite fighters, including dominant figures like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, who train alongside other notable talents from the region such as Khabib`s cousins, Umar and Usman.
However, in recent years, the nation of Georgia has also risen to prominence as an MMA powerhouse, with fighters like Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili achieving UFC championship status.
This rise has naturally led to comparisons between the two regions, especially considering their deep, shared cultural roots in wrestling.
The connection has recently taken a negative turn following a heated public exchange between Makhachev and Topuria on social media. Topuria reportedly used Makhachev`s native language to deliver an insult during this interaction.
Roman Dolidze Rejects Talk of Dagestan vs Georgia Rivalry Despite Fighter Feud
This bitter dispute between two of the sport`s top fighters occurs months after the bout between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov also sparked debates about a Dagestan vs. Georgia conflict.
Despite these incidents, Roman Dolidze, another significant Georgian fighter in the UFC, believes that any actual, hostile rivalry between the regions is limited to specific individuals and does not represent a broader issue.
Speaking on Mike Perry’s Overdogs Podcast, Dolidze stated, “From my perspective, it`s very childish and doesn`t make sense.”
He elaborated on his view: “I don`t like when people bring nationalities and countries into sport. For me, it`s just sport. I was raised like that. I never judge any man by his religion or nationality. We always judge men by their actions.”
Dolidze also commented on the motivations behind promoting such narratives: “It`s very childish. I see and hear a lot in the UFC when some guys want to heat up fights; they use these things. These guys just throw these words out to hype fights and sell more.”
He concluded his point by saying, “That`s why when they bring up this Dagestan vs. Georgia stuff, I don`t agree.”
Ilia Topuria`s Comments After UFC 311 Fueled Rivalry Speculation
Ilia Topuria himself appears to be one fighter who has contributed to fanning the flames of this potential regional rivalry.
Following Merab Dvalishvili`s victory over Umar Nurmagomedov in Los Angeles in January, the former UFC featherweight champion made a notable comment that seemed aimed at Dagestan.
On social media, `El Matador` posted: “Merab, my brother, what a fighter you are! You make us feel so proud. This is what happens when Dagestani wrestling meets Georgian wrestling.”
Although Topuria had expressed a desire to face Makhachev next, the lightweight champion`s decision to move up a weight class has cancelled those potential plans for now.
The Georgian-Spaniard is currently scheduled to compete against Brazil`s Charles Oliveira for the soon-to-be-vacant title at UFC 317 on June 28.
Gareth Tenby