UFC 311 is, no doubt, going to be a blockbuster event. With headliners, grudge matches, and drama spilling both inside and outside the Octagon, it’s a complete package. Among the most anticipated showdowns is the bantamweight title fight between champion Merab Dvalishvili and the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. And if that wasn’t enough to get you hyped, Joe Rogan chimed in on The Joe Rogan Experience episode #2256, making sure no one misses out on this potential barnburner.

“He (Merab) is fighting Umar Nurmagomedov. Umar is Khabib’s cousin, and he’s a f—ing savage. But he’s different than Khabib. He’s a striker. He’s got wicked wrestling and wicked submissions, but he started off as a kickboxer. His f***ing kicks are nasty.”, said the UFC commentator on Umar Nurmagomedov.

So, when Joe Rogan drops praise like that, it’s worth paying attention. ‘Young Eagle’ isn’t just another undefeated prospect, he’s a unique blend of striking and grappling, a far cry from Khabib’s suffocating wrestling style. With an 18-0 record, this “f***ing savage” has dismantled opponents in every way imaginable, from head kicks to submissions.

But let’s not discount Merab ‘The Machine’ Dvalishvili. The reigning champ, holding an impressive 18-4 record and sitting at #7 in the pound-for-pound rankings, is a cardio king. But Merab isn’t just fighting Umar. He’s fighting the hype, the legacy, and the Dagestani mystique. So why does this fight feel personal? Could it be because ‘the cousin’ leapfrogged his way to the title shot while Merab clawed through a grueling 10-fight win streak to earn the belt? Or maybe it’s because Merab isn’t a fan of the Dagestani hype train?

Of course, no Dagestani fight week is complete without the Dagestani leader, Khabib Nurmagomedov at the helm. The former lightweight champion will be cornering not just his cousin but also Islam Makhachev and Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC 311. It’s a rare sight to see ‘The Eagle’ in full flight mode.

Oh, and speaking of flights, Khabib’s journey to UFC 311 hasn’t been turbulence-free. Literally. News broke recently that the former lightweight champ was unceremoniously removed from a Frontier Airlines flight due to a supposed ‘misunderstanding’ over an emergency exit seat.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Corner Drama: Kicked Off a Flight, Still Commanding the Octagon

“(The) lady who comes to me with questions was very rude from the very beginning,” Khabib explained. “(I) agreed to assist, (but) she still insists on removing me from my seat. After two minutes of conversation, she called security, and I was deplaned… I did my best to stay calm and respectful…. but the crew could do better next time.”

Basically, the staff of Frontier Airlines were ‘uncomfortable’ with ‘The Eagle’ occupying the exit window seat on the plane, and even offered him another seat. But the former lightweight champ stood firm, claiming that he understood the gravity of being seated at the emergency exit. What ensued was a verbal back-and-forth with Nurmagomedov being escorted off the plane.

Was this just a case of bad customer service, or was it a cosmic joke at Khabib’s expense? While the Dagestani legend remains a towering figure in the MMA world, some claim the universe has other plans. From Islam Makhachev to Umar Nurmagomedov, there’s chatter that Khabib’s protégés are living under his shadow, unable to fully step out and claim their own legacy. Could this flight fiasco be some hurdle to keep Khabib from the bout?

And then there’s the conspiracy angle. Does Frontier Airlines have a secret sponsorship deal with Conor McGregor? After all, what better way to throw off Khabib’s game than ensuring he faces turbulence long before the Octagon? Coincidence or chaos? You decide. Or maybe it’s as plain as a simple case of bad customer service.

While Khabib handles his flight woes, the real drama is in the Octagon. The question is – can Merab’s pace and power keep up with Umar’s precision and creativity? Or will those “nasty f***ing kicks” and the Dagestani legacy prove too much for ‘The Machine’?

Also, will Umar prove Rogan right and show he’s not just different from Khabib but better? Or will Merab shut down the hype train with a signature grind-it-out performance? Who are you rooting for? The relentless Georgian or the undefeated Dagestani phenom? And more importantly, would you ever fly Frontier Airlines with Khabib on board? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!