Khabib Nurmagomedov has taken a ruthless swipe at the UFC and seemingly sent a warning to Dana White over fighter pay.
Ex-UFC lightweight king Nurmagomedov promotes his first card in America this weekend, with the show featuring former UFC and Bellator fighters.
Eagle FC 44 boasts names like former UFC champion Rashad Evans as well as Tyrone Spong and Sergei Kharitonov, who fought under the Bellator banner.
And ahead of promoting a card with former UFC and Bellator stars, Nurmagomedov has aimed a subtle dig at their bosses and warned them to be 'careful' with disgruntled fighters.
Speaking at a pre-fight press conference, he said: "Big organizations like UFC, Bellator, they have to be careful with their fighters because Eagle FC is here.
"Of course, we’re trying to sign good athletes, great athletes with good names. At the same time, we’re working with the young generation too.
"We have two goals. I just want to say be careful. If they don’t treat good fighters, Eagle FC is here."
Nurmagomedov appears to be indirectly speaking about Francis Ngannou, who has been embroiled in a contract dispute with White.
Jon Jones has also butted heads with the UFC president, who has remained bullish on the stance over fighter pay.
Nurmagomedov, meanwhile, has also acquired former UFC interim lightweight title challenger Kevin Lee and Diego Sanchez as the promotion have already lured some top talent to the company.
Eagle FC 44 goes down on Friday, with Spong vs. Kharitonov headlining the Miami card.
The aforementioned Evans, Ray Borg, and John Howard, who all fought inside the famed Octagon, also feature.
Featured Image Credit: PA/YouTubeTopics: Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC
Nasir Jabbar