Russia has long been a powerhouse in producing world-class fighters, with Dagestan standing out as a breeding ground for some of the most dangerous athletes in MMA history. One such rising star is Gadzhi Rabadanov, who recently secured a statement win against Brent Primus in the PFL 2024 Championships event.

Rabadanov’s victory has drawn significant attention, and even UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev has weighed in on the matter. Known for his sharp wit and candid opinions, Makhachev’s remarks about Rabadanov have left fans guessing whether he was being playful or subtly critical. Let’s see what he had to say.

Islam Makhachev takes a friendly jibe at fellow ‘Team Khabib’ member 

‘Team Khabib’ faithful, Gadzhi Rabadanov slayed former Bellator 155lbs king Brent Primus to win the PFL’s 2024 championships event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With both the championship belt and a $1 million prize on the line, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. In a dominant performance, Rabadanov secured a third-round technical knockout victory, claiming both the title and the substantial prize.

When asked about his feelings after the win, the Dagestani fighter shared a heartfelt perspective, “Right now, I’m not thinking about the money. Money goes quickly, but no one can take away the fact that I’ve won the title. This legacy, this history, is something I want to show people one day. I want to tell my son: ‘Your father is a world champion.’ That’s much more important than money.”

However, Rabadanov’s comments about the transient nature of money didn’t go unnoticed by fellow Dagestani phenom, Islam Makhachev. The UFC champion responded on X saying, “Money isn’t the most important thing when you’re already a millionaire.” Makhachev’s remark has sparked some intrigue among fans, as it seems to hint at a deeper understanding of the value of legacy over wealth, especially for those who’ve already secured financial success.

Gadzhi Rabadanov’s victory at the PFL event has further solidified his place as one of the brightest stars in combat sports. Rabadanov is now the latest addition to the list of fighters from ‘Team Khabib’ to claim a title in a major promotion, joining the ranks of Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, and Usman Nurmagomedov, the Bellator 155-pound champ. This accomplishment highlights the growing dominance of Team Khabib in the world of mixed martial arts, even after Khabib’s retirement in 2021.

In a previous interview in Indonesia, Khabib shared his confidence in the future of his team, stating, “We have a lot of champions. You guys are never going to miss me because in our team, in our gym, we create champions. You guys are going to always have champions from our team, don’t worry about this.” It seems this plan is coming to fruition in full swing.

‘Team Khabib’ expresses their delight at Rabadanov’s PFL glory

Team Khabib is unquestionably building a legacy that dominates combat sports across the globe, and Gadzhi Rabadanov’s recent title victory has further solidified their growing empire. Rabadanov, a Combat Sambo specialist, trains alongside Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov, both of whom have their own impressive championship reigns. His victory not only marks a significant achievement in his career but also cements Team Khabib’s place at the top of the MMA hierarchy.

Khabib Nurmagomedov himself shared his pride in his team member’s triumph, posting a photo of Makhachev, Usman, and Gadzhi on his X handle with the caption, “Three best MMA organizations in the world: Three current champions in the lightweight division. I think this is something unreal.” Makhachev echoed Khabib’s sentiments, congratulating Rabadanov on his win and sharing, “I think in this Grand Prix, you’re just beginning to reach your potential. And now a well-deserved rest.”

As for what lies ahead for Rabadanov, the future is bright. With his technical skill, relentless work ethic, and the unwavering support of his teammates, he is poised to make an even bigger impact on the MMA world. What do you think lies ahead for the new champion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!