“He’s my brother and with me he can’t go away,” Umar Nurmagomedov once said of Khabib. That simple line captures just how close their bond runs, both inside and outside MMA. But what exactly lies behind the connection between these two members of the Nurmagomedov fighting dynasty?

How is Umar Nurmagomedov related to Khabib Nurmagomedov? 

Umar Nurmagomedov and Khabib Nurmagomedov are cousins. Umar is the younger cousin of the former UFC lightweight champion, while Umar’s younger brother is Usman Nurmagomedov, the PFL lightweight champion.

The family connection goes beyond blood. Khabib has also played an important role in Umar’s MMA journey, serving as a coach and mentor as Umar progressed through the UFC. Khabib coached Umar during his preparation for major fights, including his UFC 321 bout in 2025.

Umar has openly acknowledged the influence of his famous cousin, telling the UFC that fighting in the promotion gave him a chance to replicate his cousin’s success. So, while Khabib built the family’s UFC legacy, Umar is now creating his own chapter

Is Umar Nurmagomedov Khabib Nurmagomedov’s brother or cousin? 

Yes, Umar is the older brother of Usman Nurmagomedov, while Khabib is his cousin. The relationship is confirmed by the UFC, which officially lists Khabib as Umar’s cousin.

The two share more than just family ties. Khabib has also been an important coach and mentor in Umar’s MMA career, frequently working with him during training and fight camps. MMA Fighting has likewise referred to Khabib as Umar’s cousin and coach.

So, although Umar belongs to the same renowned Nurmagomedov fighting family, Khabib is his cousin, while Usman is his brother.

Are Umar and Khabib Nurmagomedov from the same family? 

Yes. Umar Nurmagomedov and Khabib Nurmagomedov are cousins and members of the same extended Nurmagomedov family. Their family connection comes through their fathers’ side. Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, was a close relative of Umar’s father, Magomednabi Nurmagomedov. This makes Umar part of the wider family that produced Khabib, Abubakar, and Usman Nurmagomedov.

Their connection goes beyond blood, too. Khabib has become an important mentor and coach for Umar, helping him navigate his professional MMA career. That combination of family ties, shared Dagestani roots, and combat-sports training has made the Nurmagomedov name one of MMA’s most recognizable fighting families.

Did Khabib Nurmagomedov train Umar Nurmagomedov?

Yes. Khabib Nurmagomedov has coached Umar Nurmagomedov, particularly during his rise through the UFC. Their professional connection developed after Khabib transitioned from competing to coaching, allowing him to pass on his experience and tactical knowledge to the next generation of fighters in his family.

Umar trained at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose and often worked with Khabib Nurmagomedov, who later became one of his coaches. Khabib’s involvement has included helping Umar prepare for major UFC bouts and offering strategic guidance before fights. MMA Fighting has specifically referred to Khabib as Umar’s coach, while UFC coverage has also documented his role in Umar’s fight preparation.

Their coaching relationship has therefore been an important part of Umar’s development as an elite bantamweight.

How did Khabib influence Umar Nurmagomedov’s MMA career?

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s influence on Umar’s career has gone well beyond their family connection. As Umar’s coach and corner man, Khabib has provided tactical advice, fight preparation, and guidance during crucial moments. At UFC Abu Dhabi in 2024, Umar revealed that Khabib urged him between rounds to increase the pressure and stay strong against Cory Sandhagen, advice Umar followed in the championship rounds.

Khabib has also helped Umar identify weaknesses. After Umar’s UFC 321 bout, he admitted that Khabib had repeatedly warned him about a particular technical mistake during training. For Umar, Khabib’s presence brings another advantage: putting mental pressure on opponents, something Umar himself has acknowledged.

Umar and Khabib’s relationship is a reminder that some MMA legacies are built long before the Octagon. While Khabib’s influence has been significant, Umar is steadily building his own identity and career. Their shared family roots may explain the connection, but it is what Umar does with that legacy that makes his story worth following.