Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team got off to a great start at UFC 311 on Saturday night.
The 29-0 MMA legend is set to corner Islam Makhachev during his short-notice lightweight title defense against Renato Moicano, who stepped in on 36 hours notice to replace Arman Tsarukyan when he got injured.
Conor McGregor‘s bitter rival will also play a coaching role during the co-main event when his cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, challenges Merab Dvalishvili, for bantamweight gold at California’s Intuit Dome.
Before those high-stakes matchups, Khabib Nurmagomedov was on duty for his teammate, Tagir Ulanbekov, who squared off against fellow flyweight fighter, Clayton Carpenter, in the first fight of UFC 311.
Joe Rogan in hysterics after Tagir Ulanbekov comment
Even if you didn’t know what camp he was from, it was obvious Tagir Ulanbekov was a part of Team Khabib as he wrestled his way to a 30–27, 30–27, 29–28 unanimous decision victory at UFC 311.
A fairly uneventful fight burst into life during the final frame when Ulanbekov got a little chatty.
The 33-year-old told UFC commentator Daniel Cormier ‘This is for you’ during a grappling exchange in round three.
Ulanbekov then sent his opponent flying through the air to secure a brilliant takedown that saw him end the fight in top position.
The former dual-weight UFC champion’s co-commentator was very amused by the comment.
Joe Rogan chuckled away down the mic and repeated the hilarious mid-fight message sent to ‘DC’.
“This is for you, he says, and then he gets the takedown. Tremendous!” Rogan laughed.
Tagir Ulanbekov targets title shot
Ulanbekov boasts a 5-1 record in the UFC and is 16-2 overall since taking up pro MMA in 2013.
The #11 ranked flyweight believes he is ready to take on the division’s champion, Alexandre Pantoja, who is fresh off an epic win over Kai Asakura at UFC 310 in December.
The 125lb king is running out of viable contenders, but Khabib’s teammate thinks he is ready for a massive jump in opposition, and he made that much clear during his post-fight interview.
Ulanbekov said: “Who do I want to fight next?
“Let me tell you something, if there is anyone in this division that can fight and beat the champion, that’s me!
“I’m ready for it, all I need is a chance. So, hey, Pantoja, I’m ready for that belt!