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Media Opinion: Is Eagles MMA on the Cusp of Becoming the Best MMA Team Ever?

Kowboy On Sherdog

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Editor’s note: The views and opinions expressed below are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sherdog.com, its affiliates and sponsors or its parent company, Evolve Media.



The only thing Khabib Nurmagomedov is better at than smashing fighters is training them. The former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion and Hall of Famer retired four years ago. Still, “The Eagle” continues terrorizing the Octagon with his mini-army of training disciples from Eagles MMA.

The Dagestani fight camp founded by Nurmagomedov’s late father Abdulmanap has produced Nurmagomedov, current UFC lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev, Bellator MMA lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and could potentially create another world champion if Umar Nurmagomedov successfully dethrones UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 on Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

Considering that Nurmagomedov will be cornering Makhachev in his lightweight championship main event bout against Arman Tsarukyan, the 36-year-old legend will have a busy weekend priming two of his best fighters for their next career-defining moment. It’s no surprise to see Nurmagmedov in this position, however. Dagestani fighters have left their mark on the sport over the last decade and don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Blessed with incredible wrestling and cardio, Dagestani fighters have shown to have elevated striking as well, making them some of the most challenging and well-rounded fighters on the planet.

Eagles MMA fighters aren’t only skilled; they’re dominant as well. The Nurmagomedovs have a combined record of 62-0, and few people have shown glimpses of figuring them out. While Khabib has accepted the responsibility to continue the training legacy, it was his late father, Abdulmanap, who set his stable on the path to greatness. Still, what will its legacy be amongst all the great mixed martial arts gyms the sport has seen over the years?

To call Eagles MMA the greatest MMA fight camp of all time would be disrespectful to the host of gyms that have made their mark on the sport through excellence, depth, and consistency. The mark of a great gym is more than just the belts they hang up on the walls, you also have to consider the gym’s ability to get the best out of its fighters.

Massive fight camps like Jackson-Wink and American Top Team are well-renowned for producing waves of talented up-and-coming fighters. Many fighters from around the world have purchased a one-way ticket for the chance to prove themselves in one of those gyms. Those gyms are where potential is pushed to its peak, and many results speak for themselves. Even Khabib and Islam would admit their camps at American Kickboxing Academy have been instrumental to their development as fighters. That said, what Eagles MMA does is worthy of attention.

Eagles MMA homegrown talent has repeatedly proven that they’re worthy of being considered among the best fighters in the world. Many of the warriors there were born and bred in the system before taking their talents to the world stage. Training sessions that could go on for hours and a mentality rooted in victory has made the Dagestani fighter a daunting hurdle for any fighter with aspirations of MMA glory. While it may be too early to crown Eagles MMA the best gym in the world now, when it comes to developing fighters from the ground up, they’re soaring over the competition.



 
I kinda think they already are

But I'll say this upcoming card is their biggest chance of losing by far, both for Islam and Umar. Both their opponents are elite wrestlers, they've pretty much never been up against that other than the 22y/o Tsarukyan fight
 
@Kowboy On Sherdog I hate your opinion and now I hate you and everyone you work with and will try to destroy you a-- oh, just saw the disclaimer.

Now that I've calmed down, I think you're probably correct, we're witnessing soemthing special happening in MMA. I can't wait to see the heights they can reach.
 
they already are in the modern era. not of all time. once umar brings in the belt its a sealed deal imo. then usman will come to the UFC and claim the vacated 155 pound title and islam will claim the 170 pound title putting the nail in the coffin for best MMA squad of all time. there will be zero debate when this happens.
 
Easily the best 1,2 punch in MMA History with Khabib & Islam. Add Usman & Umar, sheesh
 
In this era they are, will be interesting to see if they can continue the dominant staying power longer than other teams have in the past. We would have to see a dominant figure rise to lead the charge when Javier, Khabib etc are no longer around.
 
I think they're the only MMA team to have 2 back to back P4P #1 fighters so they already are.

And in a region half the size of Ireland.

Dagestan is the modern day Sparta.
 
The Nurmagomedov's are the Gracies of today's UFC.

Very similar rhetoric between the two that are widely regarded by fighters, fanbase and the media.
 
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