Khabib Nurmagomedov is ready to challenge the UFC and Bellator to make Eagle FC the biggest promotion in MMA.
Since purchasing and rebranding ‘Gorilla Fighting’ last year, the Russian has taken his company to the next level. He staged his first four events in his homeland before deciding to take his show on the road.
Read: Jake Paul gives emphatic response to Khabib fight offer
On January 28, Khabib’s vision will come to life. Eagle FC will make its debut in the United States, at the FLX Arena in Miami, Florida. They are arriving with a bang. The fantastic card features a fantastic main event between Tyrone Spong and Sergei Kharitonov.
The appetite for Eagle FC’s first show in the States is rapidly increasing. And if the hype wasn’t already big enough, they released an epic action-movie style trailer to get fans excited. But as eye-catching as their promotional content is, it is not the main reason Eagle FC is a threat to the UFC.
Read: The newest event trailer for Eagle FC is full of action-packed drama
Why could Khabib be a problem for the UFC?
The all-time great helped the company no bounds during his tenure as the lightweight champion. Alongside Conor McGregor, he featured in the highest-selling event in history and helped the promotion break into the market in Abu Dhabi.
However, the UFC has struggled to gain positive publicity in recent times. YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul has repeatedly slated the company for the money they pay their fighters.
This has created a spiral effect. Recently, heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, announced that he would like to test his skills in the squared circle. He was reportedly paid $600,000 for his last title defence against Ciryl Gane. Boxing champion Tyson Fury received £25 million for beating Deontay Wilder.
Read: Why a partnership between Jake Paul and Khabib makes sense
The controversial issue arose at a recent press conference where Khabib was publicising Eagle 46. He claimed that if the big promotions refuse to look after their fighters, his company will open its arms to them.
The Russian said: “Big organisations like UFC and Bellator 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.”
Eagle 46 is headlined by Kevin Lee and Diego Sanchez—two former UFC fighters. MMA’s premier promotion will either have to carefully consider their fighter pay or more athletes may make the switch to Khabib’s thriving company.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
