Defeating Khabib Nurmagomedov. That’s something no one has ever done. But defeating a friend of Nurmagomedov, someone who’s likely trained alongside him? Now, that’s something Zaurbek Sidakov has achieved. And in commanding fashion, at that – winning 7-0 over Magomedkhabib Kadimagomedov to clinch the gold in freestyle wrestling at the Tokyo Olympics. If his résumé is anything to go by, the Dagestani fighter will do just as well in the UFC. And considering Sidakov’s recent declaration, Dana White could add another Dagestani fighter to the MMA promotion.

In an Instagram video shared by Red Corner MMA, UFC flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev (who’s also a former freestyle wrestler) met with Zaurbek Sidakov. As the interaction was being recorded, Mokaev turned to the people recording and made a pitch for Sidakov to get signed into the UFC. And it wasn’t the most conventional of pitches. He said, “[Sidakov] needs to start a rumor that he’s leaving for the UFC so that the national team holds onto him tightly.” Considering the wrestler’s accolades, Mokaev believes the contract will only benefit the UFC.

Besides his Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021, Zaurbek Sidakov is a 3-time freestyle wrestling world champion, too. “I think the UFC will snap him up if he wants to [sign with them],” added Mokaev. As the flyweight fighter said this, a listener in the background claimed that the wrestling champ would someday get to step into the Octagon as a contender. That’s when Sidakov said something that may have potentially piqued Dana White’s interest. 

“Not someday, but soon!” As soon as he said this, the two fighters laughed and shook hands. Only time will tell whether Sidakov made that declaration just for fun or really meant it. Because if he did mean it – and is seriously considering the prospect of joining the UFC – there’s little doubt that White would let the opportunity to sign him slide. After all, he’s a big fan of Dagestani fighters. Case in point: Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Umar Nurmagomedov, just to name a few. And, well, he’s not the only one.

If there’s one person affiliated with the UFC who has just as much respect for Dagestani fighters – especially those from Khabib’s camp – as Dana White, it’s Joe Rogan. It’s primarily because of their work ethic and dedication to their craft. In a recent episode of his podcast, the commentator said, “The guys from Khabib Nurmagomedov’s camp are some of the most dominant fighters. They wear their hair all exactly the same way. They practice. All they care about is family, religion, training. They don’t chase girls, they don’t drink. They are just training constantly.” However, Khabib doesn’t feel so.

Sharing his two cents about Dagestani fighters, Khabib Nurmegomedov posted a picture of himself on Instagram, writing, “I have seen many talented guys in the hall, and almost all of them are lazy because things are easy for them; they are born gifted by God. Talent must be backed by hard work👊” That said, it is yet to be seen if Sidakov also goes Makhachev’s route and carves a career in the MMA world under the guidance of Khabib Nurmagomedov. 

However, one thing is confirmed: Dana White has a special place for the Dagestani fighters and gave a glimpse of the same in 2022. Impressed by Makhachev’s conduct during his LW title bout against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, White claimed that the LW belt was indeed owned by the Dagestani fighters.

Dana White has a soft spot for Dagestani fighters

Back when Makhachev won the title fight for the LW belt against ‘Do Bronx,’ the former LW champ and Makhachev’s mentor asked White for the honor of giving the championship belt to Makhachev, even though it was always the UFC CEO who did the honors. Without a doubt, ‘The Eagle’ was the happiest one on the stage as he wrapped the belt around his protégé’s waist.

Did you know what Dana White said when Nurmagomedov asked for the chance to give his belt to Makhachev? He said, “This is yours. This is Dagestani belt.” Undeniably, White has a soft spot for the Dagestani fighters, or maybe just Khabib. But the veteran promoter knows the caliber of fighters coming out of the Russian province.

He is well aware of the disciplined lifestyle and rigorous training they undergo to get to the top. And this might come in handy for Sidakov to get a chance to enter the UFC Octagon. Do you think Sidakov will one day fight in the UFC? Let us know in the comments below!