"Kids died, people died, this is genocide" - Usman Nurmagomedov brings attention to war in Gaza after title defense
Usman Nurmagomedov has addressed the conflict in Gaza and called for it to be stopped. Nurmagomedov, some of his friends, and family have long been staunch supporters of Palestine.
Since Oct. 2023, various Palestinian militant organizations helmed by Hamas have been at war against Israel. The Palestinian-administered Gaza Strip has faced the brunt of the fighting, including airstrikes and other artillery attacks.
While the reported numbers vary and the exact figures are unclear, it's believed that thousands of people have lost their lives and many more have been injured.
Usman Nurmagomedov, his older brother (UFC bantamweight Umar Nurmagomedov), cousin (former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov), and a few other prominent MMA fighters are known to be devout Muslims.
They've consistently campaigned for the Muslim-majority nation of Palestine, underscored the Islamic religious tenet of non-violence, and called for the cessation of hostilities.
Usman Nurmagomedov defended his Bellator lightweight championship with a unanimous decision win over Alexandr Shabliy in the headlining match of Bellator San Diego on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.
During his in-cage post-fight interview, Usman was accompanied by his cornerpersons, including Khabib, who praised his cousin. Khabib seemingly deemed UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev the world's best lightweight and Usman the future best.
Meanwhile, Usman addressed his fight and stated:
"First of all, I want to say, Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah for everything. I'm not believe, to be honest; this guy, he's such a tough. Alexandr Shabliy is, I think, one of the best lightweight right now in the world. It was very tough fight for me with very tough guy. All respect to him, to his team. Thank you so much, Alex, Alexandr."
Usman Nurmagomedov implied that the win was bittersweet because of the devastation in Gaza. Dedicating the victory to his uncle and Khabib's father, the late MMA coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Usman said:
"You know, I'm happy now, but same time, I'm little bit sad because of in world have some very hard, like, very bad situation. It's, I mean, it's Gaza. I think the world have to attention. There, kids died, people died; this is genocide, and you have to stop this. This is my opinion. And about fight, I'm little bit happy, and that's it. I did, I really push all three, four months. And this fight I wanna -- I dedicate this fight for my uncle, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov."
Check out Nurmagomedov's comments below (1:42):
Usman Nurmagomedov asked about potential A.J. McKee fight, calls for title defense in Dubai
Former Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee attended the recently concluded Bellator San Diego event. During Usman Nurmagomedov's in-cage post-fight interview, he was asked about McKee and other lightweights possibly challenging him for the title soon.
Presently, McKee is expected to fight Paul Hughes at the PFL Super Fights card on Oct. 19, 2024.
Usman Nurmagomedov, who'd recently expressed interest in fighting A.J. McKee, highlighted the potential location of his next fight. Addressing his Bellator future, the Dagestani MMA stalwart emphasized that he'd like to defend his lightweight title in Dubai:
"Look at this. Please, all eyes on this mat ... I want to fight in Dubai. I want to defend my title next in Dubai. Get, give me this chance."
Watch Nurmagomedov call for a fight in Dubai below: