A prominent figure in mixed martial arts history has suggested that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) may be re-evaluating its strategy for signing fighters from Dagestan and Russia.

For years, athletes from Dagestan, renowned for their world-class Sambo and Judo expertise, have demonstrated exceptional dominance, effectively neutralizing strikers and securing victories with minimal damage. Khabib Nurmagomedov pioneered this approach, and now pound-for-pound king and two-division champion Islam Makhachev, along with talents like Umar Nurmagomedov and many others, are continuing this legacy.

Beyond the UFC, fighters like Usman Nurmagomedov have also showcased this dominant Dagestani style, achieving significant success.

However, a segment of the MMA community expresses a preference for more striking-focused contests over grappling-heavy approaches. This has led to an expectation that fighters with strong wrestling backgrounds may need to adapt their strategies to captivate fans, impress matchmakers, and potentially earn performance bonuses.

Currently, Russian and Dagestani fighters such as Khamzat Chimaev, Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Movsar Evloev have, at various points in their careers, faced scrutiny for their wrestling-centric styles. In response, some have adjusted their approach to demonstrate a more well-rounded skill set.

Khamzat Chimaev, for instance, recently lost his title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328. In that 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 the matchmakers, chose to engage in a striking battle with Lerone Murphy at UFC London. This strategy proved successful on the feet, and Evloev is now considered a strong contender for the next featherweight title shot.

Demetrious Johnson Discusses Rumors of UFC Limiting Dagestani/Russian Signings

In a recent conversation with Georges St-Pierre, Demetrious Johnson revealed he had heard a rumor suggesting the UFC is no longer actively seeking to sign new fighters from Russia or Dagestan.

Johnson stated:

“I recently heard a rumor that they are no longer allowing more Dagestanis or Russian athletes into the organization, because they are just that exceptionally good! Can you imagine more Umar Nurmagomedov? A fighter who is a striker, and can also take you down and finish you on the ground, or submit you.”

Watch Demetrious Johnson’s remarks below:

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UFC Champion Explains Why The UFC May Be Limiting New Dagestani Fighters

A prominent UFC champion has commented on rumors circulating that the organization might be reducing the number of new fighters being signed from Dagestan and Russia, attributing this potential shift to the exceptional skill and dominance of athletes from the region.

English Translation:

UFC Champion Explains Why The UFC May Be Slowing Recruitment of Dagestani Fighters

A respected MMA legend has claimed that the UFC is no longer actively pursuing the signing of Dagestani or Russian fighters. Over the years, fighters from Dagestan, possessing world-class Sambo and Judo skills, have shown the world how to dominate strikers and win fights while sustaining minimal damage. Khabib Nurmagomedov set the benchmark, and now pound-for-pound king and two-division champion Islam Makhachev, along with Umar Nurmagomedov and many others, are following in his footsteps.

Meanwhile, outside the UFC, Usman Nurmagomedov has demonstrated the same dominant Dagestani style and achieved considerable success. However, a portion of the MMA community does not favor wrestling-heavy fighting styles, preferring exciting striking battles instead. Consequently, fighters with strong wrestling backgrounds may feel compelled to alter their fighting approach to entertain fans, satisfy matchmakers, and earn performance bonuses.

Currently, Russian and Dagestani fighters such as Khamzat Chimaev, Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Movsar Evloev have, at some point in their careers, faced criticism for their wrestling-centric fighting styles. In response, they have sometimes ventured outside their comfort zones to showcase their well-rounded abilities.

Most recently, Chimaev lost his title to Sean Strickland at UFC 328. In that fight, “Borz” largely chose to stand and trade blows rather than attempt to take Strickland down and control him on the mat.

Similarly, Movsar Evloev, in an effort to impress the matchmakers, opted to strike with Lerone Murphy at UFC London. He found success on the feet and is now likely to receive the next featherweight title shot.

Demetrious Johnson Tells GSP About Rumors of UFC Not Signing More Dagestani or Russian Fighters

During a recent interview with Georges St-Pierre, Demetrious Johnson mentioned that he had heard a rumor suggesting the UFC is no longer interested in signing more Russian or Dagestani fighters. He elaborated:

“I recently heard a rumor that they’re not allowing any more Dagestanis or Russian guys into 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].”

Check out Demetrious Johnson’s comments below:

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