Khabib Nurmagomedov invites Paul Hughes and his family to Dagestan following battle with Usman at PFL Dubai: "You will like it"

Khabib Nurmagomedov (middle right) shares touching invite with Paul Hughes (left) to visit Dagestan [Images courtesy: Getty Images, @paulhughesmma on Instagram]
Khabib Nurmagomedov (middle right) shares touching invite with Paul Hughes (left) to visit Dagestan. [Images courtesy: Getty Images, @paulhughesmma on Instagram]

Khabib Nurmagomedov was part of the corner team for his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov's, title fight at PFL Dubai against Irishman Paul Hughes on Jan. 25. 'The Eagle' shared some pre-fight comments about the lack of quality fighters produced by Ireland, which re-ignited the rivalry between Dagestan and 'The Emerald Isle' stemming back to Nurmagomedov's beef with Conor McGregor.

The Bellator MMA lightweight champion was also dismissive of Hughes' quality as a fighter, and the 26-year-old stated that he would not be satisfied with a decision-win over 'Big News'; he needed to win via stoppage.

But the bout unfolded in an immensely competitive fashion as the title challenger more than proved his worthiness as a fighter. It went all five rounds, with the Dagestani maintaining his undefeated record via majority decision.

Following the conclusion of PFL Dubai, 'The Eagle' took to X to share an invitation with Hughes to travel to Dagestan with his family and team. The former UFC lightweight champion wrote this:

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"Thank you for the fight @paulhughesmma and for the experience. I invite you and your whole team and family to Dagestan, any time you want, believe me you will like it and your arrival will serve as a good example for many young generations."

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's invitation to Paul Hughes below:


Khabib Nurmagomedov shares praise for Ireland as a whole following PFL Dubai

Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments about Ireland's lack of quality fighters compared to Dagestan, prior to Usman Nurmagomedov's clash with Paul Hughes, sparked a renewed debate about the rivalry between the two countries.

So much so that Irish and Dagestani fans were captured getting into a brawl following the ceremonial weigh-ins the day before fight night.

However, following the conclusion of the main event, 'The Eagle' took the opportunity to try and calm tensions between the two countries' fan bases. He said this:

"I know this is not my time to talk, I just want to say one thing. All these things began from my side and other guy [Conor McGregor] when I was fighting. But don't forget that Ireland is the biggest supporter in the world for Palestine. Don't forget about this. We love you guys, we love your government... Here, inside the cage, only competition. MMA is all about respect. We love you guys because you guys support our brothers in Palestine."

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments below (0:53):

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Edited by C. Naik
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