A Legacy of Champions
The legacy of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov lives on through his students, including his son Khabib and Islam Makhachev. This weekend, his nephew Umar has the opportunity to become the third student from his gym, Eagles MMA, to be crowned UFC champion.
The Rise of Umar
Umar’s journey began at a young age, training with his uncle Abdulmanap. He quickly made a name for himself in wrestling and Thai boxing, becoming a champion of Dagestan multiple times. He then transitioned to combat sambo, where he won a world championship. As an amateur in MMA, Umar achieved a record of 16-0, earning him the titles of Russian champion and world amateur tournament champion.
Umar’s Professional Career
Umar made his professional debut in December 2016, with Khabib and Abubakar Nurmagomedov in his corner. Despite facing setbacks, including a shoulder injury and COVID-related cancellations, Umar persevered and eventually made his UFC debut in January 2021. He has since become a formidable opponent, known for his impressive knockout of Raoni Barcelos in the first round.
The Road to the Title
Umar’s upcoming fight against Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title is highly anticipated. Merab, however, does not believe Umar deserves this opportunity, citing that fate has smiled upon him. Nevertheless, Umar’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, is confident in his client’s abilities, stating that Umar has no ceiling and can potentially challenge Khabib’s record.
