Anthony Joshua has addressed one of the most intriguing crossover ideas in combat sports.
After a friendly exchange with UFC Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, the former heavyweight boxing champion was asked whether he would actually take up an invitation to Dagestan.
Anthony Joshua reacts to Islam Makhachev’s Dagestan invite
The exchange between the two fighters was captured in a clip shared by ChampRDS on X, showing a relaxed but telling conversation.
Joshua began by saying, “Let me show you something.” To which Makhachev responded, “My t-shirt?”
Joshua replied, “I’m gonna make one for me.” Makhachev then raised the stakes, telling him, “And you have to come bro [to Dagestan], not just t-shirt.”
Joshua smiled and offered a compromise, saying, “Maybe for two-three weeks, not years.”
The moment quickly went viral, largely because of what Dagestan represents in MMA. The region has become synonymous with relentless training, discipline, and dominance through fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Makhachev.
Joshua’s response suggested respect without full commitment. He did not dismiss the idea outright, but he made it clear that a permanent move was not on the table.
Why Joshua prefers a short Dagestan visit
Joshua understands the significance of Dagestan’s training environment, but his priorities remain rooted in boxing preparation rather than a wholesale immersion into MMA life.
A short stay would allow him to experience the discipline and methods that have produced some of the sport’s most dominant champions without disrupting his own training structure.
Joshua has previously shown interest in learning from other combat sports, often highlighting respect for wrestling and grappling traditions.
At the same time, he has been clear that his career path does not involve switching sports or adopting a radically different lifestyle for extended periods.
For Makhachev, the invitation reflected pride in Dagestan’s culture and confidence in its ability to test any elite fighter.
The counteroffer struck a balance. Joshua acknowledged the challenge, showed openness to learning, but kept firm boundaries.
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