Overview
- Khabib said U.S. promotions favor trash talk and entertainment over merit, arguing that technically strong but low-profile Dagestani fighters are being bypassed.
- He cited a recent trend of fighters being cut or not re-signed despite undefeated or winning UFC records, calling the practice unfair.
- Recent roster decisions, including the non-renewal of welterweight Rinat Fakhretdinov after a 7‑fight unbeaten UFC run, featured prominently in his critique.
- He described running multiple gyms in Dagestan with roughly 500 amateur fighters in his system and warned many may be ignored under current promotional priorities.
- Khabib framed his coaching as a continuation of his late father Abdulmanap’s legacy and said he will corner several athletes on an upcoming Dubai card, even as broader broadcast-driven business pressures shape fighter selection.