As Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC brand readies for its U.S. debut in 2022, the former UFC lightweight champion admits he’s looking to emulate some of the same strategies as his ultra-successful former boss, Dana White.

But there’s one very key reason Nurmagomedov says he doesn’t want to be exactly like White.

“First of all, I have hair on my head,” Nurmagomedov joked in an interview with ESPN. “I see Dana’s photo when he was just beginning with the UFC, and right now you can see he doesn’t have hair on his head, you know? I don’t want to become like Dana.”

Fortunately for Nurmagomedov, Eagle FC still has some building to do before the promotion has to worry about any comparisons to White and the UFC. But the retired great is understanding of the uphill climb ahead and says it’s important to note that he doesn’t see the promotion as a potential competitor to other major brands – at least not for now.

“I don’t want to compete with someone,” Nurmagomedov said. “It’s not a secret that UFC is best in the world. Almost 30 years, these guys, the UFC, they’re doing great shows around the world. UFC is very big brand. I don’t want to compete with other promotions. I have my view. I have my principles. I have my view, and maybe it’s because this is just beginning.

“You know, right now is like the end of November. I remember one year ago, end of November, I buy Eagle FC. We have only 12 months. If you want to become big, we need like five, six years. We need five, six years, and we have to do around the world, like everywhere, some events. We have to sign a lot of fights. It’s too early to talk about competing with some big fish. We’re just beginning, and I’m very excited about this journey.”

Like White, Nurmagomedov said he plans on being involved in the operations of his promotion and is not looking to become a silent financial partner behind the scenes. While he’ll look at the example White has set in some aspects, Nurmagomedov said he’ll ultimately prove a very different leader – one with hair.

“Yeah, I’m going to promote,” Nurmagomedov said. “I’m going to support. I’m going to be there – almost like Dana, but I don’t want to be like Dana with my hair. I want to save my hair.”

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