Khabib Nurmagomedov, the legendary former UFC lightweight champion, has expressed strong confidence in his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov’s ability to compete against top UFC talent, despite Usman not yet fighting in the promotion. As Usman prepares for his upcoming PFL lightweight title defense in Dubai, Khabib believes his cousin is already on par with elite fighters like UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Usman Nurmagomedov has built a solid resume with the PFL, including high-profile victories such as his bouts against Paul Hughes. Trained personally by Khabib, Usman is widely seen as the next fighter to carry forward the legacy established by his trainer’s family, fulfilling the vision set by their late patriarch Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Evaluation of Usman’s Skill Compared to UFC’s Top Lightweights
Speaking to MMA Team Gorilla Fighting, Khabib highlighted how much Usman has progressed over the past year, backing the younger Nurmagomedov’s readiness to meet the challenge posed by top UFC lightweights. Khabib stated,
“In one year, Usman has grown a lot,”
Khabib said, continuing,
“I’m fighting with him myself, I’m working personally. And from the outside, he’s at least on the same level as them [Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan]. A year ago I would have said we still have to wait, but now he’s already at that level. Time will show.”
This endorsement underscores the high expectations placed on Usman, who is seen as ready to challenge the sport’s best even without UFC experience.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s Vision for Usman Nurmagomedov
Usman’s potential was also recognized by his late coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who envisioned him as a key figure to continue their team’s dominance. In archival footage shared during the interview, Abdulmanap predicted Usman’s rise, emphasizing his unique background in boxing compared to other students who began with wrestling.
He said,
“After Khabib, he will continue our team’s success,”
adding,
“I have three talented students, including Usman Nurmagomedov. My other students started with wrestling, but he started with boxing. After Khabib, he will continue our team’s success.”
Upcoming Challenges and the Path Ahead for Usman Nurmagomedov
Currently preparing for his next PFL title fight against Alfie Davis in Dubai, Usman Nurmagomedov is stepping into a pivotal phase of his career. Khabib’s cautious yet hopeful appraisal signals both the weight of expectation and the belief that Usman could soon compete at the highest MMA levels. Observers will closely watch whether this rising star will translate his PFL success into UFC dominance and how the anticipated matchup against Ilia Topuria might unfold in the future.
