Dagestan boasts a considerable presence in the UFC. Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former lightweight champion, stands as one of its most prominent representatives. Yet, ‘The Eagle’ isn’t the sole Dagestani fighter in the UFC. Across various divisions of the reputed MMA promotion, you’ll find several names hailing from this region.

Now, in a surprising twist, it seems like another one of his cousins is poised to set the UFC universe on fire. Guess what? Bellator lightweight champ Usman Nurmagomedov may well be on the brink of being added to UFC’s lightweight roster. And this wouldn’t be the first time that an undefeated Turkestani was brought into the promotion. Islam Makhachev, UFC’s reigning lightweight champ, also had a similar narrative to his UFC fame.

Cousin of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov may be making a UFC debut soon

According to a recently surfaced source, Usman Nurmagomedov is all set to make his UFC debut. This is a shocking revelation, considering he was allegedly set to defend his title at Bellator 300. But it seems like fate has other plans for the unbeaten 25-year-old Dagestani.

Recently, Reuben Carter, a journalist for Moscow Times, made a startling tweet on X. He broke the news about Usman’s rumored talks of signing with the UFC. Taking to his X handle, Carter wrote:

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Usman Nurmagomedov, though not biologically related to Khabib Nurmagomedov, shares a deep bond with him. They are cousins, and Usman has trained alongside ‘The Eagle’ and current UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev for years. Their mentor and coach, the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s father, played a pivotal role in shaping their careers. This trio of fighters from Dagestan has a shared passion for MMA and a close-knit relationship.

Read More: Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Manager Advises Justin Gaethje Against Taking Up Fight Against Conor McGregor With a Hilarious Mishap

The Nurmagomedov-Makhachev connection continues the rich legacy of Dagestani fighters in the MMA world. Khabib Nurmagomedov’s undefeated career marked the beginning of their dominance, and fighters like Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and now Usman Nurmagomedov have carried the torch forward. Together, these fighters have lost just one fight among them, boasting a combined total of 55 professional MMA victories, showcasing their remarkable skills and fighting prowess. What’s more – Usman Nurmagomedov’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed.

‘The Eagle’s coach is vouching for Usman Nurmagomedov

Javier Mendez, renowned coach at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), has high praise for the Bellator lightweight champion. Mendez, who has coached legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, and Islam Makhachev, considers Usman the most talented fighter he’s ever trained – an extraordinary testament to his skills. But he also believes that Makhachev will never fight the Bellator lightweight champ – even if he’s added to UFC’s lightweight division.

Moreover, although both fighters have impressive records and share similar styles due to their shared training under AKA, a significant difference emerges. Islam Makhachev has consistently faced top-quality opponents, including Featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski and Brazilian UFC icon Charles Oliveira, and emerged victorious. In contrast, Usman Nurmagomedov has yet to face such challenges at the same level.

However, where Usman may hold an edge over Makhachev is in his ability to finish fights. He boasts ten stoppage victories out of twelve fights, while Makhachev has twelve stoppage wins out of twenty—a potential indicator of Usman’s aggressiveness and fight-finishing skills.

As negotiations unfold and Usman Nurmagomedov’s UFC debut looms, fight fans can’t help but wonder if another Dagestani sensation is about to make waves in the octagon. With the rich tradition and talent pool of fighters from Dagestan, the future of MMA looks bright for this region, and the Nurmagomedov legacy continues to flourish. So, what do you think? Are we going to witness another Dagestani icon leave his indelible mark on our beloved fight game? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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