Defeating Conor McGregor in one of the biggest moments in UFC history surely should have silenced any talk of Irish fighters, right? Well, apparently not. Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, seems to have that ‘Irish itch’ he just can’t scratch. It’s like he can’t move past the idea of Ireland and its fighters ever competing with the dominance of Dagestan. Khabib’s latest jab at Irish MMA has reignited a heated rivalry, and it’s gotten personal.

So, what’s the latest? His cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, is about to face off with rising Irish star Paul Hughes, and you can bet it’s not just about a title anymore. If you think Hughes is shaking in his boots after Khabib’s comments, think again. The 155fer is fully prepared to show the world that Ireland isn’t just a place for whiskey and pubs, it’s a breeding ground for world-class fighters.

Hughes posted a story on Instagram with his team, captioning, “Last week of camp incoming. Thanks so much @falconsmmadxb for having us. Great facility and great people.” He is wrapping up his camp, and he’s clearly all in, no distractions, no doubts. He’s going after the Bellator lightweight championship, and proving that Ireland can hold its own against the Dagestani MMA juggernaut.

But Usman doesn’t seem to think Hughes deserves this shot. According to the Russian, Hughes’ rise has been quick but unremarkable. He’s not impressed by Hughes’ performance in his two Bellator fights and claims that the media has inflated his chances. “Maybe this fight is good for the media, and that’s why they give me Paul,” Usman said, dismissing the Irish fighter’s skills. Is the 155lbs kingpin following the trash talk path led by his cousin?

Is Khabib Nurmagomedov trying to salvage what his cousin might have ruined?

Let’s take a moment to talk about Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has been at Irish throats for a while now. “Ireland don’t have fighters, brother,” the Dagestani coach said. “Paul Hughes and Conor McGregor and who else? There is no fighters.” Now, we know Khabib’s not one for sugarcoating his opinions, but that’s a pretty bold statement, especially considering the impact Ireland has had on the MMA scene over the years. Sure, Conor McGregor put Ireland on the map, but does Khabib’s dismissal of the entire nation’s fighters hold any truth?

Okay, now it gets interesting. This rivalry isn’t just about the fighters. It’s about family. Usman isn’t just fighting for a title, he’s fighting for the legacy of his family and the reputation of Dagestan in the MMA world. Right? And if you think this rivalry wasn’t heated enough, let’s add another layer of controversy.

ESPN MMA had shared a picture of Khabib and his team post-training. Exhausted, lying on the floor after a grueling session. But this picture quickly became the target of Hughes, who couldn’t resist poking fun at Usman’s past. Hughes took to the comments, writing, “You forgot the part where they take ster–ds together.”

Let’s unpack this. In 2023, Usman Nurmagomedov tested positive for a banned substance and was hit with a six-month suspension and a $50,000 fine. While Usman’s manager claimed that the positive test was due to prescribed medication for an illness, the stain on Usman’s otherwise perfect record remains.

What do you think? Can Hughes defy the odds and show that Ireland can compete with Dagestan’s dominance? Or will Usman prove that the Nurmagomedov legacy is untouchable? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!