Umar Nurmagomedov has long been seen as the next bantamweight title contender. After all, the undefeated Dagestani is ranked #2 in the 135-pound division and is behind 0nly Sean O’Malley, who just lost the title to Merab Dvalishvili in September. In addition, Umar has claimed that Dana White and co. have promised him a shot at the title next.

Even if champion Merab Dvalishvili is totally opposed to fighting him. The Georgian, of course, believes that the Dagestani doesn’t deserve to be where he is today and got special treatment from the UFC, who fast-forwarded his career because he is Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin. However, recently, ‘The Machine’ has softened on his stance of not wanting to fight Umar and has said he will have no problems facing him if the UFC so wishes.

But since Merab has made clear that he is not going to fight before February next year, and Umar wants to stay active (he last fought in August), ‘Young Eagle’ is mulling a bout against #8 ranked Song Yadong, who publicly asked him for a fight on social media. Umar agreed, and now the decision rests with the UFC.

But Khabib is all for Umar staying active, feeling it is just a natural part of a fighter’s journey, pointing out how he and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev went through similar situations. ‘The Eagle’ shared his thoughts, along with Song and Umar’s conversation on his Instagram Story.

“He [Umar] doesn’t care. He just wants to compete,” Khabib wrote. “Islam [Makhachev] and I have already been to this place. This is called the transition period. Time will pass and everyone will want to fight you. Just keep washing 🤜,” he added. But unfortunately, it seems even the Yadong fight is off the table for now.

Yadong fight out of question despite Khabib giving his vote of confidence to Umar for it

Song Yadong has reportedly refused a fight with Umar Nurmagomedov in December due to an injury he sustained in training, according to Umar himself. “I am always ready, and right now I am waiting for an opponent, as Yadong declined to fight in December — I was told he is injured,” Umar tweeted.

Right after that, he aimed Merab for comments ‘The Machine’ recently made, saying Umar was ‘scared’ to fight him. The undefeated bantamweight reiterated his charges that Merab doing his best to avoid him coming across as un-champion-like.

“All the fans and analysts are noticing how you are avoiding the fight. Championship is recognition, but you haven’t received it, and you know that perfectly well,” Umar added. Even with Yadong out, however, Umar is still determined to stay active and fight “before Ramadan.”

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan starts on 28 February next year and requires Muslims to fast for the entire month, when it will probably be unfeasible for Umar to fight. What do you think about Khabib’s advice for Umar? When will we see ‘Young Eagle’ next in action? Tell us in the comment section below!