

Khabib Nurmagomedov called out Dana White and suggested that White face-off against Eagle FC President Shamil Zavurov. Nurmagomedov can be seen surrounded by his teammates and associates while he discussed a possible ‘MMA President’s Grand Prix’. Chiefly, Nurmagomedov suggested that Dana White should look into the inner workings of the UFC and take notes from Zavurov.
Shamil Zavurov takes a hands-on approach in his role as the President of the EFC. Not to mention, he’s a credentialed MMA fighter in his own right with 40 victories to his name.
While Nurmagomedov’s suggestion was made in jest, he seemed quite staunch in his belief that White needs to be more connected with the duties as the President. He also mentioned Bellator MMA, suggesting a possible match-up between White and Scott Coker.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 04: UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks to UFC president Dana White during the UFC 229 Press Conference inside The Park Theater at Park MGM on October 4, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“Have you ever seen a promotion’s president checking it from the inside as a fighter? To see how it all works. It’s a callout, so to speak for Dana White. Dana White should learn from Shamil Zavurov’s example.”
“He should go and see how the UFC works from the inside. Should we make your last fight with Dana? And we can co-promote it, EFC and the UFC. No weight classes, a Grand Prix between the presidents, Bellator etc.”
While Khabib Nurmagomedov’s callout is a tongue-in-cheek remark, it’s clear he believes that there are certain things Zavurov is doing better. Fans will be on the lookout for Dana White’s response to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments.
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Dana White and Khabib Nurmagomedov: A storied relationship
The long-time UFC boss and Khabib Nurmagomedov have had a somewhat torrid relationship through the years. In the early days of his UFC career, ‘The Eagle’ had certain less than positive sentiments towards White. He believed that Dana White was in Conor McGregor’s pocket, a belief he has continued to maintain.

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 21: (R-L) Conor McGregor of Ireland shakes hands with UFC President Dana White during the UFC 257 press conference event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 21, 2021 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
However, as Khabib Nurmagomedov’s stature as a credentialed star continued to grow, their relationship turned a corner. In fact, Dana White spent a meaningful amount of time trying to get Nurmagomedov to come out of retirement.
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While they remain on good terms, it’s clear that Khabib will continue to say what comes to mind regarding the UFC President.
Watch this story: Top 5 Biggest Rivalries in the History of the UFC
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