Warning sign! MMA legend speaks about UFC's "boycott" of fighters from Dagestan; understand why.

Islam makhachev alongside the Dagestan Clan. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

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Few regions on the planet have become as well-known in the world of MMA in recent years as the Republic of Dagestan. Thanks to the rise of names like Khabib Nurmagomedov e Islam makhachev, the place, recognized as one of the references in sambo and Olympic wrestling, has also started to make headlines in the UFC. However, Dana White may be fed up with fighters with this profile. At least, this was the information received by Demetrious Johnson. He spoke about the subject in a chat with Georges St-Pierre on YouTube last Monday (1).

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According to the former flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg), there is a rumor that the UFC is reluctant to sign athletes from Dagestan. The reason for this stance would be the dominance associated with styles strongly linked to grappling.

“I heard a rumor recently that the UFC isn’t letting any more Dagestani or Russian guys into the organization because they’re so good they’d just destroy everyone. Can you imagine more Umar Nurmagomedovs?” he stated.

Demetrious Johnson says he's heard talk that the UFC doesn't want more Dagestani fighters because they're too dominant for the roster. 👀🤯

“I heard a rumor recently that the UFC is not letting any more Dagestani or Russian guys into the organization because they're that good… pic.twitter.com/rvY7frUqmC

— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) June 2, 2026

Khabib had already spoken about the UFC's stance regarding Dagestan.

Khabib Nurmagomedov He is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/khabib_nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov himself spoke about the issue at the end of last year. According to him, many students at his academy end up without future prospects in the sport due to the new policy adopted by the UFC and other organizations.

“In my team, there are about 500 guys, all amateurs, and they want to be like me. They all want to be champions and conquer the world. They are all good, but what are you going to do with them? I see some organizations that follow this and don't hire them because they are tired. Every time a Magomedov or a Nurmagomedov comes along, they come to the UFC and conquer everything. So much so that, in recent years, they've changed that, and I think it's unfair,” he said in an interview at the World Sports Summit in December 2025.