Russian welterweight Murad Ramazanov names mixed martial arts legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and compatriot Islam Makhachev as two athletes that have been pivotal to his undefeated streak. Ramazanov welcomes Roberto “Robocop” Soldic to the Circle at ONE on Prime Video 5 on December 3, and he’ll be looking to extend his perfect 11-0 slate when he meets the hotly tipped prospect.

Ahead of his fourth outing in ONE, the 27-year-old opened up about his close friendship with Makhachev, which has developed further over the last year.

Murad Ramazanov’s relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev

“We have a good relationship. During Islam Makhachev’s fight camp in America [in February], we lived nearby and spent all our time together,” the Dagestan Fighter and Evolve MMA representative shared. As for Khabib, Ramazanov goes way back with the former MMA World Champion.

Before the ONE athlete turned professional in 2014, he represented his nation at the amateur MMA World Championships alongside “The Eagle’s” cousin, and he says he has taken a lot from everyone at Nurmagomedov MMA.

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“I’ve had a warm relationship with his family for a long time – his ‘brother,’ Umar, and I competed at the same amateur competitions. During the last training camp, I learned a lot from Khabib and Islam, [and] I am on another level as a fighter thanks to them,” Ramazanov said.

Murad Ramazanov lauded Khabib Nurmagomedov for his contribution to his homeland

The Dagestani fighters have all found tremendous success at different promotions, but they still assist each other during training camps in a clear sign of unity, regardless of their association. Ramazanov believes that none of that would have been possible without Khabib.

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The rising star, who hopes to claim the ONE Welterweight World Title at some point in the future, believes the MMA legend’s commitment to training his fellow countrymen is one of the reasons why Dagestan keeps producing elite fighters.

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“We all looked up to Khabib. He was one of us, a guy from Dagestan who was proud of his heritage, of his fighting style, [and] who was respected. He became a champion. People respected him. We looked at Khabib and believed that it was possible for us, too, one day,” he said.

“His influence on the region is huge. Khabib opened his own school, and kids respect him. I think he keeps many of them off the street. Even if they don’t become professional athletes, they’ll get a lot of useful experience in the gym. He gives them more than training; they get educated through sports.”