TLDR
- Khabib Nurmagomedov identified Renat Khavalov (10-0) and Amru Magomedov (9-0) as the next generation of Dagestani champions
- Both undefeated fighters will compete at PFL Dubai on February 7, 2026, at the Coca-Cola Arena
- Khavalov, 27, faces Edgars Skrīvers in bantamweight, while Magomedov, 26, makes his PFL debut against Kolton Englund
- Khabib stated he believes only two or three fighters in the world can give them a hard time
- The endorsement addresses future succession after Islam Makhachev plans to retire at age 35
Sources: Essentially Sports | Low Kick MMA | Yardbarker
Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has named two undefeated fighters he believes will carry forward the Dagestani fighting legacy after Islam Makhachev retires. In an interview with Red Corner MMA, the 37-year-old identified Renat Khavalov and Amru Magomedov as the next generation of elite fighters from the region.
“I don’t think somebody in the world can beat these guys,” Khabib said. “It’s Renat Khavalov, bantamweight, and Amru Magomedov, lightweight.”
Both fighters will compete at PFL Dubai on February 7, 2026, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE. The event features Khabib’s cousin Usman Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight title against Alfie Davis in the main event.
Meet the Two Rising Stars
Renat Khavalov is a 27-year-old bantamweight with a perfect 10-0 record. He will face Edgars Skrīvers, who holds a 17-4 record, in a bantamweight bout.
Amru Magomedov is 26 years old with a 9-0 record in the lightweight division. He is scheduled to make his PFL debut against Kolton Englund, who has a 15-4 record.
Khavalov started his career with Gorilla Fighting Championship in Dagestan. He won the divisional title in his third professional bout. After Khabib purchased GFC in 2020 and rebranded it as Eagle FC, Khavalov defended his belt four times before moving to UAE Warriors and then joining the PFL.
Magomedov followed a similar path through MPF, GFC/Eagle FC, and UAE Warriors. He won the UAE Warriors lightweight belt and defended it twice before joining the PFL.
Khabib’s Confidence in the Fighters
Khabib expressed strong confidence in both fighters’ abilities. “Maybe, I can say one or two, maybe three guys can give them a hard time,” he said. “I was in a professional sport since I was [a] kid. Even when I was not competing, I saw so many champions, and these two guys, I don’t think many people can even give them a hard time.”
The endorsement comes as questions grow about the future of Dagestani dominance in MMA. Islam Makhachev, who currently carries the legacy at age 34, has stated he plans to retire at 35. Meanwhile, Usman Nurmagomedov (20-0) and his brother Umar (20-1) have faced criticism for recent performances that failed to impress fans.
Khabib also made a prediction about his cousin Usman’s upcoming title defense. “It’s important that we don’t underestimate what’s in front of us, but if you want my prediction, I would say Usman finishes the fight in the second or third round,” he said.
The former champion has been working closely with Usman since retiring from competition. “If you want to stay champion, you have to train like one every day,” Khabib told his cousin.
Khabib’s father, the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, built the foundation for the Dagestani fighting system. At a recent appearance at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, Khabib spoke about his father’s influence and his own transition to mentorship. “Now, mentorship is my responsibility,” he said. “My responsibility is to make champions — better than me, better than anyone.”
Khavalov has already competed twice under the PFL banner, while Magomedov will be making his promotional debut at PFL Dubai. Both fighters remain undefeated heading into their February 7 bouts.
