Usman Nurmagomedov defended his Bellator Lightweight Championship in Dubai with a hard-fought win over Ireland’s Paul Hughes, but after the fight, it was his cousin Khabib who grabbed the mic and stole the moment. Instead of reigniting the old Ireland vs. Dagestan rivalry that started with his infamous fight against Conor McGregor, Khabib showed respect. Speaking to the crowd, he thanked the Irish people for their support of Palestine, calling them the “biggest supporters in the world” and clarifying that some things are more significant than competition for him.
Khabib has always been more than just a fighter—he stands by his principles, and his support for Palestine has been unwavering. His words stood out as a moment of unity in a sport built on rivalries and personal feuds, acknowledging the Irish people beyond the tension of past fights. Given the history between him and McGregor, hearing Khabib praise Ireland felt unexpected, but it also showed the kind of person he is. He fights with honor, speaks with conviction, and never forgets the causes that matter most to him.