Overview
- Speaking at the World Sports Summit, Nurmagomedov said major U.S. promotions prioritize entertainment and trash talk over athletic merit.
- He pointed to the UFC’s recent decision not to re-sign Rinat Fakhretdinov, as well as Martin Buday and Muhammad Mokaev, despite their winning records.
- Nurmagomedov claimed some organizations now "follow politics" and hesitate to sign fighters from Dagestan or with common Dagestani surnames.
- He warned that a large pipeline of prospects — he cited about 500 amateurs training in his Dagestan gyms — faces limited access to top promotions.
- Recalling his early UFC days, he said the promotion urged him to adopt the nickname "The Eagle," which he views as part of broader marketing pressures.