Usman Nurmagomedov quotes Yoel Romero as Dagestan vs. Ireland rivalry with Paul Hughes heats up ahead of PFL title fight

Usman Nurmagomedov is several weeks away from defending his Bellator MMA lightweight world title against touted challenger Paul Hughes. The pair will headline the Road to Dubai: Champions Series event on Jan. 25 in an anticipated clash.

It will be a reincarnation of the infamous Dagestan vs. Ireland clash, started seven years ago, when Khabib Nurmagomedov faced off against Conor McGregor. With 'The Eagle' an elder cousin of the Bellator lightweight champion, there has been much discussion about the rivalry between Dagestan and Ireland.

The former UFC lightweight champion threw fuel on the fire between the two countries by recently stating that the level of MMA fighters produced in the 'Emerald Isle' pales in comparison to the quality of fighters produced by Dagestan.

As tension continues to rise between Nurmagomedov and Hughes, the Bellator lightweight champion took to Instagram on Jan. 4 and sent a message to his upcoming opponent 'Big News'.

The 26-year-old quoted a now-famous message sent by Yoel Romero to Michael Bisping, as he wrote:

"See you soon boy"

Check out Usman Nurmagomedov's post below:

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Usman Nurmagomedov goes deep on what separates the best fighters in the world from the rest

Usman Nurmagomedov has been touted for greatness by his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov. But it appears that the pressure one may expect the 26-year old to feel, given his iconic surname, is non-existent. Instead, the undefeated fighter focuses on one thing, work.

Despite his youth, Nurmagomedov has already defended his Bellator lightweight title twice. He is expected to move to the UFC and pursue to promotion's 155-pound title once Islam Makhachev, the current holder of the belt, moves to welterweight.

In a recent video posted on Instagram, the Dagestani champion explained what separated the best fighters in the world from those who are not. He said:

"There is one word: consistency. That's what separates the best fighter or athlete. It doesn't matter from the slacker. Consistency and persistence, these two qualities, if you can instill them in yourself, whether it's you, me or anyone else, you won't succeed. This is the only way people win; it's the only way they achieve results."

He added:

"Discipline is not some kind of restriction. Discipline is freedom. When you wake up in the morning, you train, you sleep. In the evening you wake up, you train, you sleep. You have a goal; you have a task."

Check out Usman Nurmagomedov's comments below: