Khabib Nurmagomedov gave an impassioned statement after his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defended his Bellator lightweight title. The Dagestani defeated Alexandr Shabliy at Bellator Champions Series: San Diego. The UFC legend flaunted his team’s lineage of champions before declaring the Bellator star to be next in line. Here is what happened:
Khabib Nurmagomedov expressed immense pride in Usman regarding him as one of the top fighters in the world. The Bellator champion flaunts an undefeated record of 18-0-1. He praised Usman Nurmagomedov for his growth as a fighter, particularly highlighting how he defeated a more experienced opponent at only 26 years old, which Khabib believes puts him in the prime position.
I think Usman is right now one of the best lightweights in the world. I was before, now it’s our brother Islam, and Usman is next. You know, this is a dynasty.
Khabib Nurmagomedov at Bellator Champions Series: San Diego
In his speech, Khabib emphasized the importance of hard work, faith in Allah, and self-belief as the keys to their family’s dominance in MMA. He remarked that many people still do not fully understand how they achieved such success, attributing it to the disciplined work ethic and teachings of his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Khabib reacts to Usman Nurmagomedov’s win:
“I think Usman is right now one of the best lightweights in the world. I was before, now it’s our brother Islam [Makhachev], and Usman is next.
This is dynasty.”pic.twitter.com/44yO939ROZ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 8, 2024
The Nurmagomedov family’s legacy is particularly significant in the lightweight division of MMA. Khabib, widely considered one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, passed the torch to his teammate Islam Makhachev. The Dagestani now dominates the UFC lightweight division. Usman’s continued success in Bellator adds another layer to this “dynasty.” It will be interesting to see what happens when Usman makes that shift to the UFC.
Khabib was also partly responsible for the success of welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad. The champ trained extensively with Khabib and his team before his fight against Leon Edwards at UFC 304. The training paid off as Muhammad put away Edwards with much ease, even slamming him on his head once.
Usman Nurmagomedov addresses Gaza conflict; wants to fight in Dubai next
After successfully defending his title at Bellator San Diego, Usman Nurmagomedov used the platform to express his concerns about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In his post-fight interview, he stated, “Kids died, people died, this is genocide,” referring to the devastating impact the war is having on civilians, particularly children.
Usman Nurmagomedov wants to fight in Dubai (Image via X)He also thanked God, Alexandr Shabliy and team and expressed his respect. Khabib had mentioned that Shabliy had trained with them a couple of years back. He acknowledged how difficult it was to secure the unanimous decision victory against the Russian.
First of all, I want to say, Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah for everything… this guy, he’s such a tough. Alexandr Shabliy is, I think, one of the best lightweight right now in the world… All respect to him, to his team… You know, I’m happy now, but same time, I’m little bit sad… I mean, it’s Gaza. I think the world have to attention.
Usman Nurmagomedov at Bellator Champions Series: San Diego
The Bellator star also dedicated his fight to uncle, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. The Nurmagomedov patriarch had a massive role to play in the lives of his champion pupils. He then went on to declare his plans stating that he wishes to defend his title next in Dubai.
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