
via Imago
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 12: Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks during a UFC 242 Press Conference at Hotel Cafe Royal on June 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC)

via Imago
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 12: Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks during a UFC 242 Press Conference at Hotel Cafe Royal on June 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC)
When MMA fans hear the name- Nurmagomedov, a sense of excitement spreads among them. The name ‘Nurmagomedov’ has gained traction in the MMA world. Further, the name itself is able to attract the attention of fighters and fans alike. Since ‘The Eagle’ Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement from the combat sport, his extended kin and pupils have been accused of using his name to their advantage.
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The undefeated MMA fighter, Khabib Nurmagomedov, laid the claim to rest now and has openly acknowledged it. Actually, the Russian was replying to the Bellator lightweight champion.
Bellator lightweight champion, Patricky Freire, in his latest interview, had claimed thathis opponent got a title fight only because of his family name.
What did Freire say about ‘Nurmagomedov’?
The lightweight champion, Patricky Freire, will defend his Bellator title in the main event of Bellator 288. However, the ‘Pitbull’ is not happy with the promotion’s choice in picking his opponent.
Thus, in an interview with MMA Junkie, he raised concerns about his opponent. Further, he said, “I’m very happy to fight against him[Usman]… I think he doesn’t deserve this title fight. He’s fighting for the title because he has a big name: Nurmagomedov. That’s it.”

The champion, however, is ready for every challenge. He straightaway added, “But let’s do it. If Bellator put him against me, let’s destroy.”
Although Freire complained about Usman’s fighting record and stated that he didn’t fight anyone in the Top 10, the champ might still have to watch his back.
Usman Nurmagomedov is following in the footsteps of his more famous cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Just like Khabib retired with a perfect record, Usman undeniably has taken a leaf out of Khabib’s MMA record book. Therefore, he too stands with a perfect record of 15-0.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s reply
Following this, the former UFC champion took to Instagram to express his opinion. As a surprise to everyone, Khabib accepted the claims raised. Subsequently, he captioned his Instagram story, “Partly he [Patricky Freire] is right, but who cares.”

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KAZAN, RUSSIA MAY 29, 2021: Retired MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov (R), who held the UFC Lightweight title from April 2018 to March 2021, attends EFC 36 Eagle Fighting Championship at Tatneft Arena in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia. Yegor Aleyev/TASS (Photo by Yegor AleyevTASS via Getty Images)
At the same time, Khabib cautioned the Bellator champion. He pointed out, “Be ready my friend, Usman is a new hungry generation.”
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Interestingly, a couple of months back, Usman Nurmagomedov declared that Nurmagomedovs were “better” than the Mayweathers while comparing their legacy in combat sports.
Another protégé of Khabib is in the spotlight, Belal Muhammad. He will feature on UFC 280 and exchange bows with Sean Brady on Oct. 22. What’s more, the UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov will be in his corner, supporting and guiding the welterweight fighter.
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Do you think that having the family of ‘Nurmagomedov’ is the shortcut to success in MMA? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch this story: Everything you need to know about Khabib Nurmagomedov’s fighting promotion
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