Dana White was never shy about saying that some of his fighters “didn’t want to fight,” especially when it came to big names taking on dangerous prospects like Umar Nurmagomedov.
The latest fighter Dana White claims is shunned by his peers is bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov, who was recently named the “toughest challenge” for everyone in the 135lbs category. While Aljamain Sterling has just beaten Henry Cejudo for the title and the champion is promised to Sean O’Malley, other TOP 10 bantamweight fighters are free to fight. Yet according to Dana White, none of his available fighters want to face Usman Nurmagomedov’s brother.
Umar Nurmagomedov, the antagonist of the category
The Dagestan native, cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, is currently on a 16-win streak, including four in the UFC octagon. So far, only Nate Maness has managed to go the distance with him. “Young Eagle” has made it into the top 15 at bantamweight and currently sits at No. 11. Unfortunately for him, it looks like the UFC is having a hard time finding an opponent willing to take him on. Recently, he took to Twitter to lament the situation.
When asked about it at the UFC 288 post-fight press conference, Dana White didn’t mince words.
“We talked about (Umar Nurmagomedov) earlier…he’s a guy that everyone refuses to face…so yes we will find a solution for him…it’s always difficult when you have these guys who are in the top 10, when you start saying seven, six, five, four…and this guy is behind them…nobody wants to take that risk with a guy who isn’t as well ranked…it’s hard. These are the fights that everyone publicly says they will take, but privately no one says they want to take them. »
Umar Nurmagomedov beats both guys 😏
Only a matter of time future champ 👑 @UNmgdv pic.twitter.com/kHadcyyd4R— 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜 🇵🇸 (@stiopic_) May 7, 2023
What do you think of Dana White’s comments? Can Umar become champion?
