TLDR
- Navajo Stirling is the first fighter to seriously accept Islam Makhachev’s famous Dagestan training offer
- The 28-year-old New Zealander is undefeated at 11-0 with six UFC wins and three straight knockouts
- Makhachev’s ‘send two-three years to Dagestan and forget’ line became UFC folklore but rarely found takers
- Stirling says he has no family obligations unlike previous invitees like Demetrious Johnson and Daniel Cormier
- He faces former champion Jiri Prochazka at UFC Qatar on November 21 in Doha
Sources: sherdog.com | akipress.com | timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Islam Makhachev has finally found someone willing to accept his famous invitation to train in Dagestan. Undefeated UFC light heavyweight Navajo Stirling says he’s serious about taking up the offer if Makhachev extends it.
Makhachev first used the phrase “send two-three years to Dagestan and forget” when encouraging Daniel Cormier to send his son to Russia for wrestling training. The line has become part of mixed martial arts folklore, but Makhachev has struggled to find serious takers until now.
Navajo Stirling says he's serious about wanting to train in Dagestan:
"I've always wanted to travel the world to train and see what it's like. I'm a big person on culture… You see like Islam throwing out invites, and none of those Americans are taking it… But man, I ain't… pic.twitter.com/8Bvu7GObU1
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 6, 2026
Stirling posted a picture of himself wearing a papakha, a traditional wool hat from the Caucasus region, on Instagram. He wrote: “Islam Makhachev, our saviour, send me 2-3 year Dagestan and forget.”
Why Previous Fighters Declined the Offer
The 28-year-old New Zealander explained why he can accept the invitation when others couldn’t. Makhachev has previously invited veteran fighters like Demetrious Johnson, but they declined due to family obligations.
“I would love to go to Dagestan,” Stirling told Ariel Helwani. “I feel like I would dive into the culture.”
Stirling pointed out that fighters with children can’t easily relocate for extended training periods. “You see Islam throwing out invites, and none of the Americans are taking it,” he said.
“D.C., or he threw one out to Mighty Mouse. They’ve all got kids and whatnot, but man, I ain’t got no kids, bro,” Stirling explained.
The fighter suggested starting with a shorter time frame than Makhachev’s original offer. “If they ever threw me the offer, I don’t know about two or three years, brother, but maybe two or three weeks to start off,” he said.
Stirling’s Current UFC Success
Stirling brings an impressive record to any potential training camp. He is undefeated at 11-0 and has won all six of his UFC fights.
The light heavyweight is currently riding a three-fight knockout streak. His winning streak has positioned him for bigger opportunities in the division.
Stirling is scheduled to headline UFC Qatar against former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka on November 21. The fight will take place at ABHA Arena in Doha.
Prochazka brings a record of 32-6-1 to the matchup. The former champion represents a major step up in competition for the undefeated Stirling.
Makhachev recently enrolled as a master’s student at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics’ Dubai branch while continuing his UFC career. The UFC champion also tried his hand at kok-boru, Kyrgyzstan’s traditional national game, during a recent visit to the country.
Makhachev holds a professional record of 29-1 and currently holds the UFC welterweight championship. He is ranked number one in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings.
The UFC Qatar event featuring Stirling versus Prochazka is set for November 21 at ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar.
