Dagestani UFC fighters; looking at the current crop of fighters belonging to the region popular for churning out world-class MMA talent

No UFC fan will be unaware of the republic of Dagestan. Situated in the southwestern part of Russia, the region is famous for churning out world-class combat athletes.

Dagestan first became a familiar name to MMA fans thanks to the unparalleled exploits of former undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC.

However, the region's biggest star's retirement has not slowed the inpour of Dagestani talent to the premier MMA promotion. Perhaps the most famous Dagestani athlete in the promotion right now is Islam Makhachev.

On October 22, Khabib Nurmagomedov's protégé and long-time friend Makhachev became the undisputed lightweight champion by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.

Khabib’s cousin Abubakar Nurmagomedov also competes in the welterweight division of the American promotion. Another fighter from the Dagestani ranks is the surging bantamweight contender Said Nurmagomedov.

The No.3-ranked light-heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev is yet another top prospect from the mountainous region. Also in the heavyweight division, 41-year-old Shamil Abdurakhimov hails from the Republic of Dagestan.

Welterweight powerhouse Muslim Salikhov and No.4-ranked flyweight Askar Askarov are also from the region.

A few other Athletes fighting out of Dagestan are the following:

Magomed Mustafaev - lightweight

Azamat Murzakanov - light heavyweight

Roman Kopylov - middleweight

Zubaira Tukhugov - featherweight

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Newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is eager to face P4P king Alexander Volkanovski

It looks like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are planning to take no pit stops from on their way to MMA greatness.

During Makhachev's post-fight interview at UFC 280, Nurmagomedov stated that the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter Alexander Volkanovski was next on his protege's radar:

"Last couple of years I told you guys Islam Makhachev is the best fighter not [just] in lightweight, he is a pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter right now... Now is our plan, fly all the way to Australia and fight pound-for-pound king... Volkanovski. Lets do [it]. We know we are going to finish this guy."

Watch Islam Makhachev's post-fight interview below:

Interestingly, 'The Great' was the backup fighter for the October 22 Abu Dhabi main event. The featherweight champion is currently on a 22 fight win streak. He currently holds a pro record of 25 wins against one loss.