Khabib Nurmagomedov Calls Out UFC For Lack Of UFC Russia Promotion
The UFC is making a stop in Russia this weekend. While not fighting on the card, UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is not happy with the promotion.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is coming off a victory over Conor McGregor. However the Dagestan-born champion has a close eye on UFC St. Petersburg this weekend. The card is headlined by Alistair Overeem vs Alexei Oleinik, and is full of Russian talent. However, Nurmagomedov does not feel like the UFC has done it’s part in promoting the event. According to BJPenn.com, Khabib spoke about this at an M-1 Apeha Q&A in St. Petersburg.
“UFC fans are watching, but I know that most people don’t even know that they are doing UFC in Russia. 20 April, Magomed Mustafaev will fight with a new guy (Rafael Fiziev), no one even knows about this fight. Or [Alexei] Oleinik vs. [Alistair] Overeem. Why not show or promote it?”
Khabib would go on to discuss the difference between the promotion of Russian fighters, and other fighters who competed at the previous UFC event in Russia.
“On the first event [Mairbek] Taisumov, [Rustam] Khabilov, Omari Ahkmedov fought. Taisumov has five victories in a row. Khabilov has several wins. But they didn’t even participate in any media events or promotion. [Nikita] Krylov participated, who returned after being fired. Petr Yan participated who was conducting the second fight in the UFC. I think the UFC should have a different policy. UFC need to pay attention to our fighters.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov does not currently have a bout scheduled. However, he is expected to face interim UFC Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier, perhaps in September.
UFC St. Petersburg takes place Saturday morning live on ESPN+.
