Usman Nurmagomedov, the undefeated MMA sensation and cousin of Khabib, is carving his own legacy in the sport. The 28-year-old lightweight boasts a perfect record of 19 wins – 14 by stoppage – and is celebrated as a complete fighter with elite Muay Thai striking and grappling skills.
A former Bellator lightweight champion, Usman became part of the Professional Fighters League after Bellator’s merger with the PFL. His rise has been guided by the famed Nurmagomedov dynasty, led by his late uncle Abdulmanap and cousin Khabib, who retired at 29-0 as one of the greatest fighters in history.
Renowned coach Javier Mendez – who has also mentored Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez, and Islam Makhachev – has hailed Usman as possibly the most talented fighter he has ever trained. “He’s got the most skill out of everybody I have ever trained in my whole entire life,” Mendez said.
Cormier echoed the sentiment, telling Chael Sonnen: “Usman might be the best out of all of them. This dude is amazing in terms of fighting. He fights in Bellator, now the PFL.” Sonnen even suggested that the Nurmagomedovs could soon rival the Gracies as MMA’s first family.
Usman’s journey is rooted in the rugged traditions of Dagestan, where his family famously trained by wrestling bears. Grainy footage of a nine-year-old Khabib grappling a bear cub remains one of MMA’s most iconic moments – a testament to the toughness instilled by Abdulmanap, who passed away in 2020.
Despite a brief controversy when a victory over Brent Primus was overturned to a no-contest due to a banned substance from a prescription drug, Usman retained his reputation and bounced back strong. He outpointed Alexandr Shabliy in September before edging Irish star Paul Hughes in January.
Now, Usman and Hughes meet again at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena this Friday, with the PFL title and family pride on the line. “I’m preparing always for five rounds, condition, everything, mentally,” Usman said ahead of the rematch.
With his unbeaten streak, unrivaled skillset, and the Nurmagomedov name, Usman stands on the brink of cementing himself as one of MMA’s most dominant forces.
