Islam Makhachev's Dagestan phrase now used by PSG, Anthony Joshua

Islam Makhachev's throwaway recruiting pitch to Daniel Cormier has jumped sports.

The UFC lightweight champion's advice to Cormier years ago — ship his kids to Dagestan for a few years and move on — has become a global sporting meme, according to Makhachev himself. Per Sherdog, the phrase is now circulating in Paris Saint-Germain's locker room and caught the attention of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, who asked Makhachev for permission to print T-shirts with the slogan.

Djokovic confirms PSG locker room usage

Makhachev told Adam Zubayraev that tennis star Novak Djokovic personally informed him that PSG players use the line during training. "Djokovic told me that in the PSG locker room they say, 'Hey, send him to Dagestan for 2-3 years,'" Makhachev said, per the report. "I'm not really sure how it spreads."

Joshua reportedly approached Makhachev about merchandising rights, asking if he could make apparel bearing the phrase. Makhachev gave the green light.

The Dagestani champion also said the viral moment has driven foot traffic to his gym, with visitors showing up for photos or drop-in sessions. Makhachev defends his lightweight title against Ian Garry on August 15 at UFC 330 in Philadelphia.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Islam Makhachev’s viral phrase gains traction across other professional sports