Let’s be real! Khabib Nurmagomedov may have retired from active competition, but his influence in MMA hasn’t gone anywhere. The man doesn’t just fight; he builds dynasties. Under his watchful eye, teammates have risen to prominence, carrying forward the legacy first laid down by his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov—the man who molded ‘The Eagle’ into a UFC lightweight champion. Remember, this is the guy who beat Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, and Charles Oliveira with near-perfect precision. That legacy isn’t just numbers on a record—it’s a blueprint.

Fast-forward to today, and Islam Makhachev is picking up where Khabib left off, dominating the UFC lightweight division in the classic Dagestani succession plan: one champion hands the torch to the next. But MMA fans, as always, are asking the question—who’s next? Who’s stepping up from the mountains of Dagestan to carve their own path to the top? Enter Amru Magomedov, a 26-year-old lightweight currently making waves in UAE Warriors.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Issues Warning to Dana White and the UFC

Dagestani dominance shows no signs of slowing. From Khabib Nurmagomedov to Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov, the region has produced some of the fiercest fighters in MMA history. Now, a next name is making waves: Amru Magomedov. The 26-year-old is currently tearing through the UAE Warriors promotion as the reigning lightweight champion. In fact, on Instagram, ‘The Eagle’ wrote in his story, “@amru_magomedov Beast is coming.”

Undefeated at 9-0, Amru Magomedov claimed the vacated lightweight title in 2023 and has since defended it twice with authority. He captured the UAE Warriors lightweight championship by stopping UFC veteran Alex ‘Leko’ da Silva with a first-round TKO at UAE Warriors 58 on February 22, 2025. Now, Magomedov gears up for his third title defense against Martun Mezhlumyan in the main event of UAE Warriors 64 on October 22 in Moscow, with the bout set to broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass.

Born June 2, 1999, in Kyzyl-Yurt, Russia, Magomedov isn’t just winning fights—he’s dismantling opponents. The man blends relentless grappling, high-pressure attacks, and the signature Dagestani wrestling style that made Khabib and Islam household names. Analysts are already noting his sharp transitions and positional control, the kind of technique that turns a promising prospect into a legitimate title contender. Currently ranked #6 among Middle East lightweights and #24 overall in the region, Magomedov isn’t just climbing—he’s sprinting.

With his momentum and skillset, Amru Magomedov is positioning himself as the next serious contender in the UFC lightweight division.

Amru Magomedov gets endorsement from the entire Nurmagomedov camp

When one of MMA’s all-time greats backs a fighter, the message is clear. Amru Magomedov is turning heads, and Team Khabib comparisons are flying fast. Fans and analysts alike are already speculating about his future in the sport. With a string of wins and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s stamp of approval, Magomedov is emerging as a fighter to watch. Coach Javier Mendez and teammate Usman Nurmagomedov see championship potential in every move Magomedov makes. Under the UAE Warriors banner, he holds the lightweight title and recently defended it against UFC veteran Alex da Silva.

At just 25, Magomedov has honed his craft under Khabib Nurmagomedov and the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the man who built Team Khabib’s legendary foundation. With Usman reigning in Bellator and Islam Makhachev dominating the UFC lightweight division, Magomedov is next in line to carry the Dagestani torch.

During an interview with Shak MMA in January, Mendez stated confidently: “Amru, the UAE Warriors champion. He will be the next champ, hands down.” Usman Nurmagomedov echoed this sentiment: “This guy, brother. He’s so dangerous. This is one of my best sparring partners. He gives me a lot of hard rounds. He even won rounds against me sometimes. Just remember his name.”

Here’s what fans need to understand—Amru Magomedov isn’t just a local champion or a regional standout. He’s positioning himself as a future UFC lightweight contender, carrying the Dagestani torch forward under Dana White’s promotion. With his momentum, his skill set, and the backing of MMA royalty, he’s a fighter worth watching.

The question now is, how fast will he transition from regional dominance to the global stage? Can he replicate what Khabib and Islam did in the UFC, and could he eventually challenge for the lightweight title? All signs point to yes—but only time will tell if he has the same mental edge and championship DNA.

One thing’s for certain: Dagestan’s legacy isn’t slowing down—and Amru Magomedov is next in line.