Apart from the undefeated fighter, Khabib Nurmagomedov, there are several other Dagestani fighters who have dominated their respective division in UFC. Islam Makhachev, being the recent example, has had an impressive run in the 155lbs division.
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Makhachev, with a ten-fight win streak, is very close to getting the title shot now. This lightweight sensation trains under the former UFC champion Khabib and has drastically improved his game. Interestingly, there is yet another Dagestani fighter training under ‘The Eagle’ who has entered the promotion to make his mark.
He is non-other than the UFC legend Khabib‘s cousin Umar Nurmagomedov. The latter made his UFC debut in 2021, with a stunning second-round finish against Sergey Morozov.
While talking highly about Umar, the American Top Team head coach Javier Mendez in an interview with The Schmo said, “Domination, he’s just, he’s the heir. I am sorry. He’s the heir, he’s gonna with the title. And he’s gonna be a UFC champion. He’s just that good, he’s that good.”
“Well, we could start with him at 135 and then he gonna go 145. I mean, the kid is disciplined. He is amazing. And he keeps getting better and better all the time… I am glad I am happy that he is the heir,” he added.
“He’s gonna win that title. And to be honest with you, I don’t think I have been wrong every time I say someone’s gonna win that title they win. And Umar is gonna be that titleholder at bantamweight… He will be the future bantamweight king.” Mendez concluded.
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Former UFC champion believes Islam Makhachev doesn’t deserve the title shot
Although Makhachev is undefeated since 2015 and has bagged impressive wins under his name, the former champion Rafael dos Anjos claimed the Dagestan native doesn’t deserve the title shot.
Recently, the Dagestan native finished Bobby Green in the first round at UFC Vegas 49. After this win, Makhachev and his coach, ‘The Eagle’ called for a title shot next.
However, in an episode of ‘The MMA Hour’ with Ariel Helwani, dos Anjos said, “I don’t think (Islam Makhachev deserves a title shot), to be honest with you. He’s got a 10 win streak but look at his resume. He didn’t fight any top guys, any top contenders.”
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Dos Anjos was previously set to take on Rafael Fiziev at UFC 262. However, the latter has pulled out of the fight due to health issues. Interestingly, his old rival Makhachev has offered to take the fight on short notice. However, nothing is official yet.
What are your thoughts on the new Dagestani fighter, Umar Nurmagomedov? Let us know in the comments below.
