

Usman Nurmagomedov earned a decision over Mike Hamel upon his debut for Bellator MMA. Usman is the brother of former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘The Eagle’ is acting as a coach and mentor for his brother currently.
Nurmagomedov remembered his late father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov in a recent Instagram post. ‘The Eagle’ can be seen with almost the whole of his Dagestani crew while Usman prepares to make the walk to the Bellator cage in the photo. AKA coach Javier Mendez can be seen paying close attention to him.
“Yesterday we were missing one person, but anyway Alhamdulillah,” wrote the Russian on his Twitter. This shows how much class and integrity the former champion carries.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite being one of the most famous and successful fighters of all time, he still cares deeply about his roots. He still follows the basics that made him the person he is today.
This kind of discipline and grateful attitude is exemplary for up-and-coming fighters and is the true recipe for success for them.

via Getty
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 07: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia prepares to enter the Octagon prior to his lightweight championship bout against Dustin Poirier during UFC 242 at The Arena on September 7, 2019 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
As for Usman, he started off his career in the big leagues with an impressive win. The Bellator 255 card had some other good fights as well.
That would help him garner some extra eyeballs on himself. The undefeated fighter is looking to carry on his cousin’s footsteps and eventually become a UFC ace.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Was his father’s demise the main reason behind Khabib Nurmagomedov retiring?
Nurmagomedov endured a difficult 2020 as he lost his mentor and beloved father Abdulmanap. His close bond with his father was what sparked his mental strength. ‘The Eagle‘ was devastated by the loss.

via Getty
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 25: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia reacts after his submission victory over Justin Gaethje in their lightweight title bout during the UFC 254 event on October 25, 2020 on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
He revealed family is more important than success and money. So, the Russian decided to hang up the gloves to spend more time with his mother and family.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
And considering his achievements throughout the years and the amount of money he has made, his decision is justifiable. What did you make of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s message? Let us know.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT