“I know Islam and his team don't like guys like me who aren't afraid to express themselves. so i'm gonna make him love me through my grappling or my striking, all right in front of khabib. and i honestly can't wait for it.”

– via ESPN MMA, challenging Islam Makhachev and his team by stating he will force Makhachev to "love" him through his performance, whether by grappling or striking, right in front of Khabib Nurmagomedov.

“2,3 years in Tijuana and you'll learn how to knock @islam_makhachev”

– sending a message to the newly crowned welterweight king Islam Makhachev