Umar Nurmagomedov describes the experience of fighting without cousin Khabib in his corner
Umar Nurmagomedov didn't seem affected by the absence of his cousin Khabib Nuramgomedov at UFC Fight Night 217. The surging bantamweight opened the main card with a first-round knockout and is on the brink of a fight with a top 10-ranked opponent next.
The former UFC lightweight champion recently announced that he would be retiring from MMA entirely in order to spend more time with his family. 'The Eagle' was not in Nurmagomedov's corner for this weekend's fight, and according to the rising contender, increased the pressure he felt.
Umar Nurmagomedov was interviewed by Brett Okamoto of ESPN MMA following his victory and was asked if his cousin's absence from his corner made a difference in the fight. He replied, stating:
"When [Khabib] is close, it's a big motivator for me. When he is far away, it's more of a responsiblity for me, being in front of my family and friends. But I'm good... Without [Khabib in the corner] it's more pressure for me. With him [there] it was easy. Without him, more pressure."
Watch the interview below from 2:05:
Since Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from fighting in 2020, he has taken up the role of co-head coach at the American Kickboxing Academy alongside Javier Mendez. Nurmagomedov's success as a fighter has translated to his effectiveness as a coach, and both himself and Mendez were awarded Coach of the Year by MMA Junkie.
However, due to personal reasons, 'The Eagle' has called time on his coaching career as well. Whether or not he will continue to run Eagle FC, the MMA promotion he founded in 2020, is yet to be confirmed.
His close friend and training partner Islam Makhachev recently won the UFC lightweight title with 'The Eagle' in his corner. With Makhachev preparing to defend his title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in February, there has been speculation about how Nurmagomedov's absence could affect Makhachev.
However, if Umar Nurmagomedov's performance is anything to go by, then the UFC lightweight champion could be unwavering.
Umar Nurmagomedov wants to "fight anybody" but Ricky Simon
Umar Nurmagomedov showcased his skills on the feet with a quick knockout victory over Raoni Barcelos last night. The rising bantamweight contender continues his march towards a title shot and currently occupies No.11 on the UFC rankings.
Ricky Simon is ranked No.10, and a matchup with the American seems logical for Nurmagomedov. However, in his post-fight interview, the Dagestani made it clear that he isn't interested in a fight with Simon.
"I don't want to fight [Simon] because when I asked him to fight, he said, 'Who are you?' I will show you who I am... I will fight anybody but not this guy."
Watch the interview below from 2:40: