TLDR
- Khabib Nurmagomedov says cousin Usman has reached the same skill level as UFC stars Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan
- Usman Nurmagomedov is 27 years old with an undefeated 20-0 record and holds the PFL lightweight championship
- Khabib credits personal training sessions for Usman’s rapid development over the past year
- Khabib’s late father Abdulmanap predicted Usman would continue the team’s success after Khabib retired
- The statement increases speculation about Usman potentially moving to the UFC to face top contenders
Sources: MMA Fighting | Total Pro Sports | Yardbarker | MMA Fighting
Khabib Nurmagomedov believes his younger cousin Usman Nurmagomedov has reached the same skill level as top UFC fighters Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. The retired UFC champion made the statement in a recent interview with MMA Team Gorilla Fighting.
“In one year, Usman has grown a lot. I’m fighting with him myself, I’m working personally,” Khabib said. “And from the outside, he’s at least on the same level as them [Ilia and Arman].”
Khabib added that his assessment has changed over the past year. “A year ago I would have said we still have to wait, but now he’s already at that level,” he explained. “Time will show.”
Usman Nurmagomedov is a 27-year-old fighter who currently holds the PFL lightweight championship. He is also a former Bellator lightweight champion and maintains an undefeated record of 20 wins.
Personal Training Makes the Difference
Khabib credits hands-on training sessions for Usman’s rapid development. The former UFC lightweight champion has been working directly with his cousin to improve his skills.
The statement comes as fans and promoters discuss the possibility of Usman moving to the UFC. Many in the MMA community have called for matchups between Usman and top UFC contenders like Tsarukyan and Topuria.
Ilia Topuria is the current UFC featherweight champion, while Arman Tsarukyan is a top contender in the lightweight division. Both fighters are considered among the best in their weight classes.
Abdulmanap’s Vision for Usman
Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, also believed in Usman’s potential. In an old interview, Abdulmanap identified Usman as someone who would carry the team forward.
“I have three talented students, including Usman Nurmagomedov. My other students started with wrestling, but he started with boxing,” Abdulmanap said. “After Khabib, he will continue our team’s success.”
Dagestan has become a major hub for MMA training in recent years. Fighters from around the world now travel there to train and improve their skills.
Khabib and his father are credited with putting Dagestan on the map in the MMA world. The region has produced multiple UFC champions and top contenders.
Usman’s unique background in boxing sets him apart from other Dagestani fighters. Most fighters from the region start with wrestling as their base.
The Nurmagomedov team includes several high-level fighters beyond Usman. Islam Makhachev currently holds the UFC lightweight championship, and Umar Nurmagomedov is a rising bantamweight contender.
Khabib retired from MMA in 2020 with an undefeated record of 29-0. Since then, he has focused on coaching and developing the next generation of fighters from his team.
Usman’s dominance in PFL and his previous success in Bellator have built anticipation for a potential UFC debut. His undefeated record and connection to Khabib make him one of the most talked-about fighters outside the UFC.
The 27-year-old fighter has time on his side to make the move to the UFC and test himself against the best lightweights in the world. Khabib’s assessment suggests that Usman is ready for that challenge now.
