Khabib Nurmagomedov was one of the many people impressed by Paul Hughes at PFL Champion Series 1.
The Northern Irishman pushed lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov to the brink during their five-round war at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Saturday night.
Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s cousin ultimately earned a majority decision win over Hughes. However, the judges’ scorecards have since been questioned by Conor McGregor, Dillon Danis, and a bunch of MMA fans on social media.
A rematch in Belfast has been ruled out by Usman, but the patriarch of his family has extended a different offer to Hughes after the former Cage Warriors champion fell just short in the biggest fight of his career.
Khabib Nurmagomedov invites Paul Hughes to Dagestan
On Sunday morning, Nurmagomedov took to X for the first time since his Frontier Airlines fiasco.
‘The Eagle’ publicly invited Hughes to Dagestan where his family trains and lives.
“Thank you for the fight @paulhughesmma and for the experience,” he tweeted.
“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.”
Hughes is yet to respond to Nurmagomedov’s epic offer – but he won’t want to get too friendly with the legendary Russian fight family as there still appears to be unfinished business after his clash with Usman.
Khabib Nurmagomedov insists he has no beef with Ireland
Before Nurmagomedov vs Hughes, there was a lot of talk about the Dagestan-Ireland rivalry.
The former UFC lightweight champion angered many by dismissing Ireland as a great MMA nation.
Nurmagomedov famously shared one of the most bitter rivalries with McGregor before they fought at UFC 229. A post-fight brawl followed his submission win, and their feud is still going on seven years later.
On Saturday night, Nurmagomedov paid a surprise compliment to Ireland during his little cousin’s post-fight interview.
“I know this is not my time to talk, I just want to say one thing,” Khabib said.
“With all the things between me and [Conor McGregor] when we were fighting. Don’t forget, Ireland is the biggest supporter in the world for Palestine. Don’t forget about this. We love you guys! You, your government, everybody.
“When we’re inside the cage, it’s only competition. MMA is all about respect.”