Why are Dagestani fighters so dominant?

The dominance of Dagestani fighters in mixed martial arts can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Wrestling Prowess: Dagestan is known for producing a high number of freestyle wrestling champions. This exceptional level of wrestling skill is a crucial advantage in MMA, where ground control and submissions play significant roles 1.

2. Rigorous Training and Pressure: Fighters from Dagestan, such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, are known for their intense training regimens that maintain pressure throughout the entire fight. This ability to exhaust opponents and push them to a breaking point is a distinctive feature of their fighting style 1.

3. Cultural and Regional Factors: There is also speculation that something specific about the culture or upbringing in Dagestan contributes to producing such successful fighters, although a definitive explanation for this aspect remains elusive 1.

These elements combined—their superior wrestling skills, rigorous training methods, and potential cultural influences—help explain why fighters from this small region are so dominant in international MMA.