UFC star argues Team Khabib 'made a mistake' with post-fight reaction to Usman Nurmagomedov vs Paul Hughes

01/28/2025 04:18 AM

Has the 'myth' and the 'aura of invincibility' surrounding Team Khabib been smashed?

Between UFC 311: Makhachev vs Moicano and PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series: Nurmagomedov vs Hughes, Team Khabib went 2-1 in their world title fights.

Whilst you might assume that it was Merab Dvalishvili's sensational underdog win that central here; it's actually the title-retaining victory for Usman Nurmagomedov that's sticking out to 'The Hangman'.

• PFL: Wholesome footage shows Nurmagomedov and Hughes discussing rematch backstage after five-round war

Dan Hooker says 'mistake' was made in Usman Nurmagomedov's admission

Following his razor-close majority decision win in Dubai, Usman Nurmagomedov would admit that he was tested and challenged like never before, stating that without a doubt, he'd sorely underestimated Paul Hughes' abilities.  

"Paul Hughes, brother, you are the man brother, you are really the man," acknowledged the PFL lightweight champion.  

"Honestly, I underestimated this guy, that was my mistake but still undefeated, undisputed lightweight champion… I never taken this [much] damage as I take in this fight, I have a lot of pain in my body – thank you for this fight."

Speaking to Ariel Helwani, popular UFC lightweight Dan 'The Hangman' Hooker would argue that a 'mistake has been made' by Nurmagomedov in admitting to such a test – and that the 'myth' surrounding Team Khabib fighters has been profoundly dented.

"I feel like a mistake has been made, I feel like Usman [Nurmagomedov] made a mistake when he got on the microphone – when have you ever seen one of the Dagestani boys get on the microphone and say that they were tired, they got hurt, they got pushed to their absolute breaking point?

"We've seen them in tough fights before, but we've never seen one of them get on the microphone and admit it – I think that was an error [on his part] … All he had to do was get on the microphone and say 'Smash, smash anyone' and walk off."

Hooker stated that keeping post-fight reactions 'short and simple' is the name of the game for fighters from Dagestan; and that had Usman Nurmagomedov kept up that persona, fans would've quickly forgotten that the fight against Hughes was so close.

"But he humanized himself, and that's the thing with guys who have been in there with Islam [where] you fall for the myth and you're not fighting the man. And that's with any great champion; we're in the sport of 'Monkey see, Monkey do.'

"That team has done an incredible job at protecting that myth and keeping themselves with very impressive records and not looking compromised, with a style where they don't get dropped, cut, or hurt – but yeah, I just feel like that was a mistake."

• EXPLAINED: Islam Makhachev plans permanent move in division as UFC has 'no one to fight' at lightweight

Paul Hughes accepts Khabib Nurmagomedov's invitation on one condition

If there was any doubt that Paul Hughes gave Usman Nurmagomedov his toughest fight to date, look no further than Khabib Nurmagomedov later inviting 'Big News' out to Dagestan.

"Thank you for the fight, Paul Hughes, and for the experience, I invite you and your whole team and family to Dagestan, any time you want," Khabib wrote on X, a far cry from the bitter rivalry that had been rampant during fight week.

"Believe me you will like it, and your arrival will serve as a good example for many young generations," continued the former UFC champion, with Hughes accepting the invitation, on one condition.

"Thank you, Khabib. I have great respect for you, your team and your nation," Hughes wrote on X.

"I would be honoured to take you up on this offer someday and then return the favour in Ireland… But please, only after I get to rematch Usman."

Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like Usman Nurmagomedov is keen on rematching Paul Hughes, telling Bloody Elbow after the event that the Irishman needs to work his way back into title contention.

Hooker himself is scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje in the co-main event of UFC 313 in a five-round fight that could determine the next title challenger to Islam Makhachev.