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Khabib Nurmagomedov Called Out by Ukrainian UFC Fighter Over His Silence on Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Published 03/04/2022, 4:30 AM EST

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Russian MMA phenom Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the most respected fighters to ever grace the UFC octagon. In his time at the UFC, MMA fans respected the former UFC lightweight champion for his mannerly conduct.

He has maintained his silence and not said a word about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, his silence attracted a callout from a Ukrainian UFC fighter.

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Ihor “The Duelist” Potieria, a Dana White’s Contender Series alumni in the light heavyweight division with a record of  19-2, called him out for the aforementioned reason.

“You were loved by millions. You’ve been an example in many martial arts gyms. You started your career in Ukraine. You speak about honor and faith. And now you are silent,” Potieria wrote on his Instagram story section, where he also tagged Nurmagomedov. (h/t Bloody Elbow)

UFC handed Potieria the contract when he knocked out Lukasz Sudolski in the first round of their bout in week 5 of Dana White’s Contender Series 2021.

One thing that stood out in the message was Potieria mentioning that the Dagestani started his career in Ukraine.

Did Khabib Nurmagomedov start his career in Ukraine?

Khabib Nurmagomedov is infamous for his feud with Conor McGregor, which culminated at UFC 229 with the Russian taking home a submission victory. That was his twenty-seventh career fight- one that had an extreme spotlight on it.

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He had many fights before that, and 16 of them were before he made his way to the UFC. ‘The Eagle’ started his career in Europe, more specifically in Ukraine at CSFU Champions League on September 13, 2008.

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On the night, ‘The Eagle’ submitted Vusal Bayramov via a triangle choke in the first round of their bout.

via Getty

This was his first step towards an undefeated career. Subsequently, he won 28 more fights before hanging his gloves at UFC 254 after ending ‘The Highlight Reel’ Justin Gaethje’s championship aspirations.

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What are your thoughts on the Instagram story directed at Khabib Nurmagomedov? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Aashish Kumar

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Aashish Kumar is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Journalism & Mass Communication, this Israel Adesanya fan has interned at reputed media houses and gained valuable reporting experience. Building on that experience, Aashish will look to tap into his love for combat sports and let fans benefit from his passion and journalistic expertise.
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