Khabib Nurmagomedov says he feels 'bad for the UFC' and appeared to expose the truth behind why fighters get cut from the promotion.
Dana White has a ruthless streak when it comes to maintaining the MMA leaders' roster.
Fighters are often cut or released after events, with the company recently axing an unbeaten Russian prospect in a shock call.
At the World Sports Summit in Dubai, UFC legend Nurmagomedov discussed the state of MMA in Dagestan based on the success the republic has had in and out of the UFC.
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In doing so, Nurmagomedov revealed why he feels bad for US MMA promotions, claiming fighters are being let go from leagues like the UFC because they don't trash talk.
"I feel very bad for US promotions - very, very bad," he began. "Because there are so many hungry fighters coming, and they don’t like to talk, they don’t like trash talk.
"They just come, smash people, and take money. And US promotions, they don’t like this. They like trash talking, they like entertainment."
The former UFC lightweight champion added: "I understand. In one way, it’s business. But at end of day, this is sport. It’s sport.
"One-on-one, you go alone inside of cage, and we’ll see who is the best in the world."
Islam Makhachev sends warning amid UFC cuts
Nurmagomedov, who turned to coaching after his iconic career, is concerned about his fighters finding a home in the UFC and other US promotions.
His star pupil Islam Makhachev is one of the biggest stars in the UFC and issued a warning to prospects coming through the ranks after Rinat Fakhretdinov was cut.
"The UFC needs fighters they can sell, who can make money," the current UFC welterweight king explained.
"Rinat would just go out there and win. The UFC doesn’t need guys who just beat everyone and stay quiet.
"Learn English, learn how to sell yourself, learn how to be interesting to the public. They love the show. And because of that, you just need to learn how to put on a show."
Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC
Nasir Jabbar