Khabib Nurmagomedov's undefeated cousin named as "toughest challenge in bantamweight division" by former UFC champion
Khabib Nurmagomedov has left an indelible mark on the world of mixed martial arts and on his native Dagestan. The former UFC champion's accomplishments and commitment to his craft have served as an inspiration to many.
Umar Nurmagomedov, his younger brother, is also making a name for himself in the MMA world. The Dagestani has a perfect 16-0 record as an undefeated fighter. 'Young Eagle' has dominated all of his opponents and won three of the four fights by finishes. He is also well-rounded in all aspects of the game, and many in the MMA community regard him as a future champion.
The UFC bantamweight division is shaping up to be one of the organization's most exciting divisions. The division is deep in talent, with numerous viable contenders, emerging young prospects, and seasoned veterans.
Javier Mendez, Khabib Nurmagomedov's coach who also trains the Dagestani's undefeated cousin, believes 'Young Eagle' has all the makings of a future champion.
Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo will make his comeback from retirement against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288. He recently claimed that Umar Nurmagomedov poses the greatest threat in 135-pounds of any fighter:
"Umar is the most dangerous guy. At 135-pounds, out of all the cats that I see, Umar Nurmagomedov is the toughest challenge of any of them, including myself. He can wrestle, he can strike, he can box, he's well-rounded. He's seen his brother [Khabib Nurmagomedov] and his cousin win world titles and he wants to be next."
Nurmagomedov was thrilled that the former UFC champion acknowledged his skills and wrote on Twitter:
"@HenryCejudo Triple C knows. Thank [you] so much champ and good luck."
Check out the tweets below:
@HenryCejudo Triple c know
Thank so much champ and good luck https://t.co/n7WEjbp1Jn
@UNmgdv ššš
Who will Khabib Nurmagomedov's undefeated cousin fight next?
The UFC hopes to schedule a bout between Umar Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili next.
However, Dvalishvili has declined the UFC's offer to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin on May 13. According to MMA journalist Aaron Bronsteter, Dvalishvili declined the fight due to an injury, and the UFC is looking forward to scheduling the bout in July instead.
'Young Eagle' acknowledges that Dvalishvili will need time to recuperate from injury but he's determined to test himself against the Georgian next:
"UFC @danawhite offer me main event, May 13 I accept against Merab he have injury I wish him a speedy recovery, but Iām waiting to share the cage with him June or July."
Check out the tweet below:
ufc @danawhite offer me main event, May 13 I accept against Merab he have injury I wish him a speedy recovery, but Iām waiting to share the cage with him June or July