Khabib Nurmagomedov's team got off to a great start at UFC 311 on Saturday night.
The 29-0 MMA legend is set to corner Islam Makhachev in his short-notice lightweight title defense against Renato Moicano, who stepped in on 36 hours' notice to replace Arman Tsarukyan when he was injured.
Conor McGregor's bitter rival will also play a coaching role in the co-main event when his cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, challenges Merab Dvalishvili for bantamweight gold at the Intuit Dome in California.
Before these high-stakes bouts, Khabib Nurmagomedov was on duty for his teammate Tagir Ulanbekov, who took on fellow flyweight fighter Clayton Carpenter in the first fight of UFC 311.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Joe Rogan in hysterics after Tagir Ulanbekov's comment
Even if you didn't know which camp he came from, it was clear that Tagir Ulanbekov was part of Team Khabib as he wrestled his way to a hands-down 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 victory at UFC 311.
A fairly quiet fight came to life during the final round when Ulanbekov got a little chatty.
The 33-year-old told UFC commentator Daniel Cormier, “This is for you” during a wrestling exchange in round three.
Ulanbekov then sent his opponent through the air to secure a brilliant takedown, ending the fight in top position.
The former two-weight UFC champion's co-commentator was very amused by the comment.
Joe Rogan chuckled into the microphone and repeated the hilarious message sent to 'DC' during the fight.
“This is for you,” he says, and then he gets the takedown. Huge!” Rogan chuckled.
Tagir Ulanbekov aims for title shot
Ulanbekov has a 5-1 record in the UFC and is 16-2 overall since starting pro MMA in 2013.
The No. 11-ranked flyweight believes he is ready to take on UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, who is fresh off an epic victory over Kai Asakura at UFC 310 in December.
The 125-pound king is running out of viable contenders, but Khabib's teammate believes he's ready for a huge leap against opposition, and he made that clear during his post-fight interview.
Ulanbekov said: “Who do I want to fight now?
“Let me tell you something: if there's anyone in this division that can fight and beat the champion, it's me!
“I'm ready, all I need is a chance. So hey, Pantoja, I'm ready for that belt!
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