Who deserves the credit when a fighter becomes great? The coach or the fighter? Is it the blood, sweat, and tears in the cage, or the steady hand of a mentor who knows exactly how to mold greatness? Maybe it’s both. But when you talk about Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, there’s no question, his legacy says it all! And sure, when you hear the name ‘Nurmagomedov,’ Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legendary UFC run probably pops into your head first.

But this isn’t just about Khabib. It’s about a father who turned a tiny region in Dagestan into a global MMA powerhouse. How often do you see fighters from one small corner of the world dominating not just one, but multiple promotions like the UFC and Bellator? Now, with the Nurmagomedov name standing tall alongside legends like the Gracies, it’s time to take a closer look at the warriors Abdulmanap trained. Ready to meet the fighters who are keeping his legacy alive? Let’s jump in.

1. Khabib Nurmagomedov

When you think of Abdulmanap’s legacy, doesn’t Khabib immediately come to mind? How could he not? A perfect 29-0 record, the longest-reigning UFC 155lbs champion, and a career built on dominance. Can you imagine a fighter losing just 2 rounds in their entire UFC run? Well, that’s what ‘The Eagle’ did across the span of his 13 fights inside the Octagon. But was it just Khabib’s talent, or was it the genius of his father that made him unstoppable? Maybe it was both.

Khabib didn’t just win fights, he broke opponents. His smothering grappling and unwavering discipline were legendary. And by the time he retired in 2020, he was ranked as the UFC’s pound-for-pound king, as promised to his mother. But his journey didn’t end there. After Abdulmanap’s passing, he stepped into his father’s shoes, not as a fighter, but as a mentor.

Imagine how hard that must have been. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, shared, “When Khabib’s father passed, he wanted nothing to do with MMA. Every gym, every workout—it all reminded him of his father. Now, he has to become his father. And he would trade it all to have him back.” Khabib’s story isn’t just about titles or records. It’s about honoring his father’s dream and continuing a legacy that’s bigger than himself. Can you think of a more fitting tribute?

2. Islam Makhachev

When Khabib hung up his gloves, we all had a question, who will be next? Who could possibly carry the torch left by the undefeated legend? Enter Islam Makhachev. His journey began, like so many Dagestani warriors, under Abdulmanap’s watchful eye. Before MMA, he was making waves as a combat sambo champion, even claiming the 2016 FIAS World title. But his story is about more than just accolades. It’s about relentless discipline and a belief in the ‘Father’s Plan.‘

When Islam clinched the lightweight title in 2022 and defended it against names like Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier, it felt like destiny, didn’t it? From his early days in Makhachkala, training in taekwondo, to becoming the face of Dagestani dominance, his rise is intertwined with Abdulmanap’s legacy.

With UFC 311 looming around the corner, it is for us to wait and watch, if he will defend the belt yet again to prove that Abdulmanap built not just one star but a dynasty.

3. Usman Nurmagomedov 

Let’s talk about legacy. When you hear the name ‘Nurmagomedov’ who do you think of first? Khabib, right? But Usman Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s cousin, is showing that the family’s dominance extends far beyond the UFC. Usman is the reigning Bellator 155lbs strap holder, and if you’ve watched him fight, you know this guy is special.

His striking is sharp, his grappling is polished, and his discipline? Out of Abdulmanap’s rule book! He once said, “In my opinion, the best fighter of all time is Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. He made us. He wasn’t just a coach. He was a competitor, a mentor, a creator.” Even Chael Sonnen, never one to hand out compliments lightly, admitted, “The Nurmagomedovs could be the greatest family in combat sports, led by the late Abdulmanap. This is ‘Father’s Plan.”

So, is Usman proving that greatness runs in the family, or is he setting the stage for an even bigger legacy? With his Bellator reign, Usman is showing that the Nurmagomedovs don’t just dominate, they elevate.

4. Sultan Aliev 

Now, let’s not forget the unsung hero of Abdulmanap’s empire, Sultan Aliev. Every great legacy has its quiet achievers, and Aliev is one of them. But let us ask, do you think unsung fighters like Aliev deserve more recognition for shaping the sport? A two-time FIAS Combat Sambo World Champion, Aliev wasted no time making his mark. Within a year of starting combat sambo in 2009, he earned the rank of “International Master of Sports.”

From 2011 to 2019, he competed in both the UFC and Bellator, racking up 15 wins with only 3 losses. What made Aliev special? His grappling was a testament to Abdulmanap’s teachings, controlled, relentless, and effective. And while his career didn’t grab the spotlight like Khabib’s, isn’t there something admirable about quietly excelling at your craft?

Even in retirement, Aliev’s name commands respect among MMA fans. He’s proof that Abdulmanap’s reach wasn’t just about creating champions it was about building fighters who shook when nothing came their way.

5. Ikram Aliskerov 

Have you been keeping an eye on the middleweight division? If not, Ikram Aliskerov might just give you a reason to. This 2016 FIAS Combat Sambo World Champion is one of the newest Dagestani sensations to make waves in the UFC. But here’s the real question: could Aliskerov be the next big thing to dominate at 185 pounds?

Under Abdulmanap’s early mentorship, Ikram honed a grappling-heavy style that’s becoming a nightmare for his opponents. With a record of 15-2, he’s proving that Abdulmanap’s influence wasn’t limited to just lightweight stars. And with an exciting matchup against Andre Muniz at UFC Fight Night in February, all eyes will be on him.

So, what do you think? Could Ikram Aliskerov be the middleweight division’s new boogeyman?

6. Magomedrasul Khasbulaev

Not every great fighter competes in the UFC, Magomedrasul Khasbulaev is proof of that. Ever heard of the ACA (Absolute Championship Akhmat) promotion? If not, let us introduce you to their dominant featherweight champion. A 2010 WCSF Sambo World Champion, Khasbulaev’s career is a testament to Abdulmanap’s genius.

With a record of 34 wins and 8 losses, ‘Frodo’s six-fight winning streak from ACA 94 to ACA 131 showcased the grappling mastery and versatility his coach instilled. With such a decorated career, do fighters like Khasbulaev get enough recognition outside the UFC? Or is the spotlight of promotions like ACA underrated?

7. Shamil Zavurov 

Let’s take a step back to one of the foundational names in Abdulmanap’s legacy. Ever wonder what it takes to pave the way for the stars of today? Shamil Zavurov did just that. Being a three-time WCSF Sambo World Champion, his relentless pace and wrestling made him a feared name in promotions like M-1 Global. Though his career might not have grabbed mainstream headlines, the impact he had on Dagestani MMA is undeniable.

Even in retirement, the former M-1 Global 170lbs champ hasn’t left the game. He’s now mentoring the next wave of fighters from Dagestan and was evidently present during the final bouts of Khabib’s career. So, what’s more important in MMA, the spotlight or the legacy you leave behind?

8. Rustam Khabilov

What’s the first move you think of when you hear ‘Dagestani grappling’? For Rustam Khabilov, it’s the suplex, because no one did it quite like him. The 38-year-old holds a professional MMA record of 24-4. A 2007 WCSF Sambo World Champion, ‘Tiger’ gained fame for tossing opponents around like rag dolls in the UFC’s 155lbs division.

Now thriving in Bellator’s welterweight division, his exciting style is another shining example of Abdulmanap’s ability to create well-rounded, unpredictable fighters. Here’s something to think about. Do you prefer technical mastery in MMA, or is flashy grappling like Khabilov’s what gets you on the edge of your seat?

9. Tagir Ulanbekov 

What’s next for Abdulmanap’s legacy? Look no further than Tagir Ulanbekov, a rising star in the UFC’s flyweight division. If you love a mix of grappling and striking, Ulanbekov’s seamless transitions between the two will have you hooked. With Abdulmanap’s teachings as his foundation, Tagir is climbing the 125lbs rankings one fight at a time.

But here’s a question for you: will his style dominate in a division often ruled by speed and striking? Tagir’s rise is another reminder that Abdulmanap’s influence spans generations and weight classes. So, who’s your pick for the next Dagestani champion?

10. Shavkat Rakhmonov 

Have you heard of Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated welterweight wrecking machine? If not, it’s time to take notice. Though not born in Dagestan, Rakhmonov has trained alongside Abdulmanap’s proteges, blending their techniques into his own destructive style.

Here’s the wild part, every opponent he has faced (except for one) has been finished. That’s right, Rakhmonov has either knocked them out or submitted them, with a pristine 19-0 record. His sole decision win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 proved that even top-ranked challengers struggle to crack the ‘Nomad.’

What do you think? Could this Kazakh fighter, the first from his country to sign with the UFC, be on his way to claiming the 170lbs gold?

11. Abubakar Nurmagomedov 

When your last name is Nurmagomedov, expectations are sky-high. Abubakar, Khabib’s cousin, has faced those expectations head-on in the UFC’s welterweight division.

Trained by Abdulmanap himself, Abubakar brings a mix of grappling and striking to his fights. While his career hasn’t reached the dizzying heights of Khabib’s, Abubakar’s dedication to the craft is undeniable.

Here’s a question: does every fighter in the Nurmagomedov family feel the pressure to live up to Khabib’s legacy? Or does Abdulmanap’s influence give them the foundation to carve their paths?

12. Zubaira Tukhugov 

What happens when Abdulmanap’s training methods meet the heavyweight division? Enter Zubaira Tukhugov, a fighter who tested those waters. With a record of 20 wins and 6 losses, Tukhugov made a name for himself, fighting in promotions like Cage Warriors, ProFC, Fight Nights (EFN), and others, before joining the UFC in 2014.

Though his career didn’t reach the same level as some of his peers, Tukhugov’s presence in the heavyweight division showcased Abdulmanap’s ability to train fighters across weight classes.

Now retired, Tukhugov remains a part of the broader Nurmagomedov legacy. Do you think fighters like him deserve more recognition for their role in showcasing Abdulmanap’s diverse coaching approach?

13. Umar Nurmagomedov

The bantamweight division is brimming with talent, but Umar Nurmagomedov stands out for all the right reasons. As a 2015 WCSF Sambo World Champion, ‘Young Eagle’ is building his legacy with a combination of sharp striking and elite grappling, similar to his cousin Khabib.

With every fight, Umar continues to climb the rankings, carrying the hopes of the Nurmagomedov dynasty into the future. With an undefeated record of 18-0, he’s now preparing for his title bout at UFC 311, where he’ll face Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event.

Will Umar’s journey bring another UFC belt to the family, cementing his place in MMA history? Do you think he’s ready for the challenge that lies ahead?

14. Islam Mamedov 

Not every Dagestani star is in the UFC—just ask Islam Mamedov. Competing in Bellator’s lightweight division, Mamedov continues to prove that Abdulmanap’s fighters can dominate anywhere. This 35-year-old comes with a record of 23-3-1, starting in 2015, fighting in promotions such as the World Series of fighting for 2 years, then moving on to PFL till 2019, and fighting in Bellator from 2021 to 2023.

With a strong Sambo background and a disciplined approach, Mamedov’s performances are a testament to the values Abdulmanap instilled. From UFC champions to Bellator contenders, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s influence spans promotions and weight classes. His legacy isn’t just in his son Khabib but in the countless fighters he shaped with his philosophy of discipline and hard work.

So, which of these fighters do you think will carry Abdulmanap’s legacy into the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!