As the PFL: Road to Dubai Championship Series approaches, Khabib Nurmagomedov has intensified his support for his cousin, Bellator 155lbs champion Usman Nurmagomedov. With fiery remarks, ‘The Eagle’ has recently rekindled the storied Ireland vs. Dagestan rivalry in MMA while championing Usman, who is preparing for his third title defense against former Cage Warriors champion Paul Hughes in Dubai.

Renowned for his unparalleled MMA acumen, Khabib Nurmagomedov has once again voiced his belief in his cousin, outlining a bold and ambitious vision for Usman’s career. Speaking to PFL, ‘The Eagle’ confidently projected Usman’s path to becoming one of MMA’s all-time greats. Drawing from the legacy of his Dagestani roots, ‘The Eagle’ remarked: “He can very easily put his name among the top five greatest fighters of all time. He’s only 26—can you imagine? In four years, when he turns 30, and over the next 7 to 10 years, he could reach the very top. Can you imagine if he fights in 15, 16, or 17 more matches? I truly believe he has the ability to achieve that.”

Usman embarked on his MMA journey at just 18, rapidly carving a reputation for himself in regional circuits before stepping onto the global stage. In 2021, he signed with Bellator and made an immediate impact, competing in three consecutive fights during his debut year and cementing his status as a rising star. Now at 26, Usman boasts an unblemished 18-0 record, showcasing his dominance in the cage.

As he prepares for his highly anticipated title defense against Hughes, Usman looks to extend his streak to 19-0, further solidifying his pursuit of greatness. Over the span of eight years, he has competed in 18 professional bouts, maintaining an undefeated streak that mirrors the legacy of his cousin, Khabib. With a bright future ahead, one can only imagine the heights Usman might reach in the next decade.

Khabib lauds Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy in mixed martial arts is unmatched, with his flawless 29-0 record cementing his place in MMA history. Upon retirement, ‘The Eagle’ quickly embraced the role of a mentor, following in his father’s footsteps and leading a new generation of fighters. His influence on athletes like UFC bantamweight title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov and flyweight contender Tagir Ulanbekov has been transformative, highlighting his commitment to nurturing the next wave of talent.

Moreover, perhaps one of his greatest sources of pride has been watching UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov rise to prominence. Both have defended their titles successfully, solidifying their place among the sport’s elite. Khabib, brimming with pride, expressed his admiration on Instagram in October, writing, “The best in the world. Simply the best. They [Makhachev and Nurmagomedov] are the best in the world.”

Looking ahead, Khabib’s prediction for Usman’s future is ambitious, with ‘The Eagle’ seeing his cousin as a potential fixture at the top of MMA for years to come. As we move into the next decade, the question arises: who will carry the Dagestani legacy? Will it be Islam Makhachev, Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov, or will Khabib’s influence remain irreplaceable in shaping the future of Dagestani MMA? Feel free to share your thoughts below!