Khabib reveals the reason for meeting with the head of the UFC

The Russian also commented on the plans he has for promoting mixed martial arts which he recently acquired.

MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomédov is still present in the sport despite his recent retirement.

The Russian star recently acquired the Gorilla Fighting Champioship (GFC) promotion, which he wants to transform into a springboard for young people to the UFC, where he will seek special conditions for his champions.

Khabib changed the name of the promotion, calling it the Eagle Fighting Championship (EFC), and at a press conference this week explained the reasons for the announced meeting with UFC head Dana White. “I wanted to sign an agreement with the UFC Fight Pass [el servicio digital de suscripción para las transmisiones] for them to broadcast EFC matches on television. For example, they do it with M1 [promoción de MMA rusa con sede en San Petersburgo], but in another way. I also wanted to discuss the number of EFC title defenses a fighter has to face to enter the UFC, ”Khabib explained during the press conference in Moscow.

To date, the UFC has granted a single promotion in Russia, M1 Global, the chance to offer their champions to the UFC. Khabib wants the same conditions for his promotion. “For example, we signed a deal with a guy for six fights. The guy wins the title and defends him a couple of times. We promised him that we would include him in the UFC and after registration we would bring his business into promotion from other side of the ocean. ”Khabib said.

The Russian is not trying to compete with the UFC. On the contrary, his idea is to collaborate with the UFC: “It takes at least ten years to reach the level of the UFC. That’s why we don’t face that challenge. A 23 year old boy can do 6-7 in two years. fights, win the title, defend it and go to the UFC. It’s more real than looking forward to 10 or 12 years just to become the best organization in the world. However, we strive to be one of the best organizations. “

Khabib began his professional career as an MMA fighter in 2008 and fought 16 fights before signing a deal with the UFC in 2012. Six years later, the Russian acquired the UFC lightweight belt by beating American Al Iaquinta.