After having his personal run within the UFC as a dominant undefeated champion years in the past, Khabib Nurmagomedov is now serving to to mentor others towards their very own reigns. Islam Makhachev already has secured the light-weight title, and now cousin Umar Nurmagomedov could also be subsequent.
Umar secured a transparent choice win over Cory Sandhagen in the principle occasion of Saturday’s UFC Struggle Evening in Abu Dhabi. The bout seemingly served as a bantamweight title eliminator, and “The Younger Eagle” is most definitely subsequent in line to problem the winner of the Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili title combat that takes place at The Sphere on September 14.
Following Umar’s win, Khabib Nurmagomedov was requested about his ideas on who his cousin might need a greater matchup with in terms of claiming the gold. The previous light-weight champion says the undefeated up-and-comer might be ready no matter who’s holding the title.
That’s to not say he doesn’t have a choice, although…
Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Cousin Umar Nurmagomedov Is Prepared To Be UFC Champion
“I need Merab to be trustworthy, as a result of he’s from Georgia. [Dagestan and Georgia are] neighbors. I need Merab to win as a result of it’s going to be a really attention-grabbing combat. White papakha vs. black papakha. But when O’Malley wins, it’s going to be white papakha vs. pink papakha.
“He’s going to be good competitors for O’Malley. An excellent combat, high-level combat for the entire followers all around the world. It’s not simple to beat Umar. And it’s not simple to beat Merab or Sean O’Malley. That is excessive stage. Something can occur, however for my part, Umar is prepared.”
Umar Nurmagomedov is now 6-0 within the UFC (and 18-0 general) since coming into the promotion in 2021.
O’Malley, in the meantime, gained the bantamweight championship by defeating Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292. He retained the title in opposition to Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC 299 in Miami this previous March.
For his half, Dvalishvili has gained 10 straight fights, clinching himself a title shot after defeating former champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 in February.
