Outside Source
Makhachev’s advice to Cormier for his kids was “send 2-3 years Dagestan and forget.” The phrase has since become a part of sporting folklore, transcending the world of MMA. Makhachev recently revealed that almost every athlete he meets from any sport reminds him of his famous one-liner. Makhachev claims tennis icon Novak Djokovic once told him that his phrase is used in the 2026 Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain’s locker room. Makhachev also recalls former boxing heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua seeking his approval to print T-shirts saying “2-3 years Dagestan.”
A Lasting Impact
“Whoever I meet, any athlete, any level,” Makhachev told Adam Zubayraev. “..I met Djokovic, Djokovic told me that in the PSG locker room they say, ‘Hey, send him to Dagestan for 2-3 years.’ I’m not really sure how it spreads. Joshua, the boxer, comes up to me and says, ‘I want to go for two or three years, can I make a t-shirt that says 2-3 years Dagestan?’ I told him, ‘Of course you can.’”
Makhachev (28-1) also admits that he has helped boost “sporting tourism” in Dagestan. The UFC welterweight champion revealed that his gym is mostly crowded with people wanting photographs or to join a training session. Makhachev is currently scheduled to defend his welterweight title against Ian Garry (17-1) at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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