Russian fighters have made their way into the world of mixed martial arts, and they are making sure that they rule it. The fierce warriors have already entered every fighting organization on the planet, including the most prestigious ones like Bellator or UFC. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Umar Nurmagomedov are just some of the most prominent names in the very long list of people from the region who are proving their might.

This mountainous region in southern Russia has always been a source of talent in practically all martial arts. But how have the Dagestanis been able to maintain such a clear superiority for so long? According to some, the patriarchal education of these people may be a key factor. Children are told from birth that they are men and warriors and that their function is to protect themselves and their own. But what does AI believe to be the reason? Well, let’s find out.

Sambo: The Secret Weapon

At the heart of Dagestani dominance is Sambo, a martial technique that mixes aspects of wrestling, judo, and striking. The fighters from Dagestan have made it their life’s goal to master this martial arts form. But why? Well, sambo allows them to control the tempo and flow of their bouts. It makes them a phenom when it comes to their wrestling and ground game, making their transitions—from takedowns to submissions—nearly immediate, like a reflex action. This gives their opponents no time to counter this quicksand trap.

With transitions being reflex actions, they can also spend more time during the fight to calculate every move they make. Every UFC fighter seems to have a pattern in their combinations or fighting styles, and the Dagestanis use their fight IQ to read them all mid-fight. It makes MMA seem like a game of chess, where Dagestanis play three moves ahead while their opponents are still trying to escape the first takedown.

This allows them to dominate their opponents, pushing them into positions from which there will be no escape. Sambo’s ground-and-pound component adds a new destructive depth to their already effective arsenal. Khabib Nurmagomedov and other fighters are known for establishing ground control, making Sambo seem like the perfect martial arts form for MMA.

Extreme Mental Toughness and Conditioning

Dagestan is one of the 24 republics that make up Russia and is located in the North Caucasus. Due to its geographical location, its citizens have had to be involved in many military conflicts. This knowledge has been transmitted from generation to generation, which has led to the establishment of combat sports among the population. Dagestani children do not dream of being soccer players or basketball stars; instead, they want to be fighters. Poverty in the region is a usual sight, so many young men seek a change of life through these disciplines.

This makes them mentally some of the most mature fighters out there, who care more about the sport and their lives than the luxuries and fame that led many, such as Conor McGregor, down a different path. Another factor that explains the superiority of Dagestan fighters is the environment around them. Makhachkala is almost at sea level, but the mountainous terrain of the Republic means that most of its population lives at a high altitude (the average is 1,500 meters).

Training in the mountains makes your cardio far superior to the rest. Their training regimens are as harsh as their homeland: wrestling in frigid rivers, running up dangerous mountain roads, and sparring at high altitudes. Such grueling experiences prepare their bodies for the punishing pace of a UFC bout while instilling a steadfast will to win. As a result, when a Dagestani enters the cage, they bring a lifetime of struggle and survival instincts. It’s more than just battling; they want to outlast and out-think their opponents.

Team Ethos and Coaching

A strong feeling of community and a strict approach to training have helped Dagestani fighters achieve great success. Unlike fighters who seek individual fame, Dagestanis prioritize group progress. Training as part of a team means that every athlete is tested to their limits, continuously honing their talents through sparring and drills. A strong feeling of community and a strict approach to training have helped Dagestani fighters achieve great success.

Unlike fighters who seek individual fame, Dagestanis prioritize group progress. Training as part of a team means that every athlete is tested to their limits, continuously honing their talents through sparring and drills. Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, was instrumental in developing this culture of greatness. His coaching method centered on fundamentals like fierce grappling, flawless striking defense, and conditioning that make one look like a super soldier.

All of these ideas have become the foundation of Dagestani MMA’s success, producing competitors who are not only skillful but also disciplined and agile. Camps like the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) have reinforced this philosophy. Fighters like Islam Makhachev have grown under The Eagles’ tutelage and the guidance of AKA’s Javier Mendez. This combination of Dagestani’s determination and world-class coaching gives the MMA world some well-rounded warriors ready for any fight ahead of them. But what actually distinguishes the Dagestani fighters from the rest is their humility and eagerness to learn.

Fighters consistently improve their techniques, guaranteeing that they enter the Octagon as complete athletes ready to execute their game plan flawlessly. Dagestani domination in the UFC is not a coincidence; it is the product of a distinct blend of cultural, physical, and tactical factors. From their Sambo proficiency to their mental toughness and team-focused training, they’ve set a standard that other fighters find difficult to meet.