“It will be a big mistake to follow this kind of hype. Chanko hasn't got enough experience to handle all this publicity and recognition. It's a mistake to chase it all, and it can play a dirty trick on your future career. Chanko needs to work hard in the gym, and as for media recognition, it will come on its own.”

– via Red Corner MMA, sharing advice for Magomedov Zaynukov ("Chanko"), warning him that chasing media hype without enough experience is a mistake that could hurt his career, and advising him to focus on hard work in the gym.

“I think the UFC will decide soon. We have at least three or four contenders now. Soon, probably in about two weeks, it will be clear who the next challenger will be... [Garry] is a good fighter... [but] he didn't surprise me yesterday. If he surprised the UFC, then maybe he will be next”

– addressing Russian media, regarding potential welterweight title challengers Ian Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov.

“[Rakhmonov] hasn't fought for over a year. A contender can't sit out for a year with injuries and then come fight for the belt... Well, if he recovers and the UFC decides he's next, why not?”

– Islam Makhachev, addressing Russian media, regarding potential welterweight title challengers Ian Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov

“In the UFC, I think, they started working on this less [promoting fights]. In the UFC before, they would make a star out of anyone... Now, somehow, the UFC itself has lost interest. Dana is also already a big guy. He's involved in many other things too, you know”

– via UDAR KAMAL, commenting on the UFC's perceived reduction in effort toward promoting fighters and the busyness of Dana White.