MMA icon Khabib Nurmagomedov made his stance on critics clear during a recent Red Corner MMA press conference in Dubai. When asked about opponents claiming that his name and reputation are overrated, the Dagestani legend delivered a straightforward response.
“Honestly, I don’t care about this,” Khabib stated matter-of-factly. “If people like, they like. If they hate, they hate. If somebody don’t like you, it’s very hard to become friends [with them]. It’s very hard.”
The question came as Khabib prepares his team for another major PFL event in Dubai, with his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov headlining the card.
The interviewer stated that every opponent facing contenders from Khabib’s team seems to claim his reputation is inflated, asking whether this creates additional pressure to maintain his legacy as a coach and mentor.
Rather than defend himself with words, Khabib pointed to results. “But the numbers talk. Belts, we can say belts talk. And ranking, they talk by themselves, you know. I don’t have to change somebody’s mind. If they like our team, they like. If they don’t like, okay, who cares?”
Khabib then continued to talk about what he believes makes mixed martial arts compelling.
“That’s why we love this sport, you know. There is competition. There are a lot of different (guys) and teams, and they can choose whatever they want. But we are here to take everything.”
The proof as Khabib suggests, lies in the achievements. He proudly noted that his team now boasts the best pound-for-pound competitor in both the UFC and PFL. Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov, respectively, hold those distinctions.
“We are the best team in the world,” he declared. “In such a unique and young sport which is growing every year. And every year, there are a lot of prospects and wonder kids coming into this sport. And we are the best, one of the best in the world, and this makes me very happy.”
Editor’s note: Quotes have been edited for clarity and readability.
