Islam Makhachev invites Anthony Joshua to Dagestan: ‘Improve your wrestling’
Islam Makhachev, while not as widely known as his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, is gaining popularity through his viral quote, 'Send Dagestan 2-3 years and forget.'
Makhachev explains, "It's not a joke. I was talking to Daniel Cormier about wrestling, and he wanted his son to become a high-level wrestler. I told him, 'In the U.S., you won't push your son very hard. But in Dagestan, everyone will know it's your son. We'll take care of him, give him a good school and coaches.'"
"If you really want to help your son become a good wrestler, just send him for 2-3 years, and he'll come back as an American champion, at the very least."
Although Makhachev's statement is not as concise as Khabib's famous 'Number one bulls--t,' it resonated with many, including Anthony Joshua, who traveled from the UK to Dubai to meet Makhachev during the PFL's event in the UAE.
Joshua is a big fan of the quote, so much so that he wants to create merchandise featuring it. Makhachev humorously suggests, "Anthony Joshua told me he wants to make t-shirts. I said, 'Okay, I'll give you approval. You can make t-shirts. And also, you have to come to Dagestan to improve your wrestling.'"
The idea of Anthony Joshua, a top boxer, improving his wrestling skills is intriguing, but it's unlikely. Joshua is already at the pinnacle of boxing, with tax rates on his fight purses being higher than the largest UFC star's earnings. Why would he want to add wrestling and grappling to his training when he's already a master of his own martial art?
If Joshua does return to the ring, it's expected to be against Tyson Fury in 2026. However, Makhachev's quote might inspire other young UK fighters to consider a trip to Dagestan, where some of the world's best grapplers are trained.
