“65-0 in MMA, there’s never been a family like this.” The Nurmagomedovs are flawless, but for how long?
Sergey Sorokin September 17, 2024, 12:45 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
The toughest tests await Usman and Umar.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s career is long over. But his glorious undefeated path is continued by his brothers Umar and Usman. They produce successful fights and look almost flawless. American mentor Javier Mendez also recalled this: “In combination, Khabib, Umar and Usman have a record in MMA of 65-0. Never in the history of mixed martial arts has there been such a dominant family with such a track record.” Orel and his relatives have really built a dynasty with a huge legacy in mixed martial arts. However, now the brothers are in a difficult situation: apparently everyone is waiting for access to a new level. And taking this step can be extremely difficult.
The former UFC champion has found a new calling:
Khabib repeats his father’s successes. Orel is great as a coach.
Umar’s situation is difficult, but pleasant. The Russian finally got to the title fight. He won the candidate fight – he turned out to be stronger than Corey Sandhagen and became the next in line for the belt. And over the weekend the opponent was decided. Merab Dvalishvili dismantled Sean O’Malley. And now the whole world will face a confrontation between “two fathers: black and white.” Of course, on paper, Umar looks like the favorite, who remains undefeated, and even gains experience from the legendary UFC champion Khabib. However, Dvalishvili, who has made an incredible move, should not be discounted.
This is what Russian top promoter Kamil Gadzhiev says. He recalls that Merab has his own trump cards up his sleeve: “For me, Umar is not a favorite in a fight with Merab. No one at this weight can be a favorite in a fight with Dvalishvili. Merab’s championship belt is the answer to this question. I would say that in general the chances are equal. And Dvalishvili has his own arguments: a good fight, he has long forgotten about the defeats he started with, he has grown stronger and gained self-confidence. What does Umar have? Good legs, and what each of the Nurmagomedovs has is a team. The best sparring partners and some winning energy in the corner. He adds strength, literally and figuratively, to everyone who enters the cage.”
Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili
Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
In fact, Umar has a very difficult task ahead of him. Merab has gone from being the butt of jokes to being a UFC champion in recent years. The Georgian fighter performs well on the ground, as he demonstrated in the previous fight. Moreover, Dvalishvili, without much shame, fought on his feet with the strongest striker in the division. And he hardly allowed himself to be outdone in this aspect. Therefore, it is difficult to say right away in what way Nurmagomedov is so superior to Merab and why exactly he should dominate in the title fight.
Umar Nurmagomedov
Photo: Josh Hedges/Getty Images
Usman recently proved to everyone that he has no equal in Bellator. Khabib’s brother jokingly treated his compatriot Alexander Shabliy. It was not possible to finish the opponent, but at the same time Nurmagomedov’s dominance was total. Usman competently worked all five rounds and did not allow his opponent to even think about a possible victory. This was probably the last fight for the Russian in Bellator. Now he has two real paths: in the PFL or in the UFC. However, both options can become a serious test of strength for the Russian.
The first way is PFL. In fact, this is a transition within a united league. And the “older” should definitely be interested in such a fighter. True, in the lightweight division there are a lot of tough opponents. Therefore, it makes no sense to hang the championship belt on your shoulder ahead of time. Gadzhi Rabadanov, who is on a long winning streak, is doing well there. Then there is Brent Primus. The same one that Usman dismantled with great difficulty. And most importantly, the result of the fight was annulled. So now the guys just need to get together again.
This season, PFL broadcasts are available on Okko.
The second way is to move to the UFC. And there everything is even more complicated. It is worth remembering that lightweight is one of the most competitive in the best league on the planet. There, almost all of the top 5 are ready to hang the championship belt on their shoulders. In addition, you need to understand that they will not promote Usman quickly. Umar’s story clearly shows that even Khabib’s sponsorship will not make a fighter a champion in two fights. “White Papakha” had to go through a long journey of six victories to finally get a title shot. Most likely, it will take Usman more than a year. And during this time, very strong and experienced opponents may meet along the way. It is enough to look at the top 5 to understand the entire level. And there are Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker.
There are practically no opponents left in Bellator:
Usman Nurmagomedov is the future UFC champion. Only Makhachev is now better than his brother Khabib.
So far the Khabib – Usman – Umar trio is truly impeccable. But only for now. Now one of them has a serious title challenge. Another has on the horizon a transition to a new league and a completely different level of opposition. And the presence of a familiar “toe” only puts additional pressure on the guys. And their next fights will answer the question of whether they will preserve Khabib’s grandiose legacy.
