What happens when an entire family chooses to conquer the world of combat sports? You get the Nurmagomedovs! Among this extraordinary lineage stands Usman Nurmagomedov, a name that is rapidly carving its own legacy. With an undefeated professional record, the reigning Bellator Lightweight Champion has extended the family’s dominance beyond the confines of the UFC.

This fighting dynasty didn’t emerge by chance. It was meticulously cultivated under the watchful eyes of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s father and legendary coach. But while the public knows ‘The Eagle’ as the undefeated UFC icon and former lightweight champion, Usman carries a quieter, yet equally lethal aura. Curious about how these two are connected? Let’s dive into their family ties and shared journey.

Is Usman Nurmagomedov related to Khabib?

Usman and Khabib are cousins, and this bond is more than familial; it’s foundational to their success. As mentioned above, Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, played a pivotal role in shaping both their careers.

Donning the mantle of a coach, mentor, and father figure, Abdulmanap instilled in them a love for combat sports and a philosophy of hard work and humility. So does that mean he is the greatest fighter to emerge from Dagestan?

Usman Nurmagomedov certainly thinks so. In an interview with CBS Sports, the Bellator lightweight champion confessed, “My opinion, as to who is the best fighter of all-time, it is Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. He made us. He was not only a coach, he was a competitor, too, in judo, wrestling, everything. He made the whole team. He made us.”

The lessons taught by the legendary coach have continued to serve the undefeated Bellator star to this day. Unfortunately, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away in 2020 after complications due to COVID-19. This led to ‘The Eagle’s retirement from competition and he picked up where his father left off by transitioning to coaching his team instead.

And while Usman and Khabib’s paths may differ their shared foundation ensures that the Nurmagomedov name remains synonymous with excellence in MMA. So, how does this connection impact Usman’s journey? To truly understand, we must explore the brotherhood that shaped his early years.

How many brothers does Usman Nurmagomedov have?

Usman has one older brother, Umar Nurmagomedov, another rising star in MMA. ‘The Young Eagle’, as his brother is also known, competes in the bantamweight division of the UFC.

Born into the same fighting environment, the two brothers were inseparable in their early years. Umar began with freestyle wrestling before transitioning to Thai boxing, and Usman followed suit. This sibling rivalry wasn’t about competition; it was about pushing each other to greatness.

When the brothers moved to Makhachkala a little while later, Abdulmanap took them under his wing at the Eagles MMA camp. The brothers still remain close, supporting each other in a sport that often feels like a lonely battlefield. Ahead of Umar’s clash for the bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311, the younger sibling revealed a heart-warming glimpse of the bond between the two.

In an interview with MMA Junkie, he confessed, “My fights, I don’t care even. I know what I can do, and I know my skills. I just have to go in the cage and referee will say, ‘Let’s start guys.’ I love this. I am more stressed and more nervous about Umar, about Islam, about Tagir and these guys.”

Their shared journey reflects the family’s ethos—iron sharpens iron. Although Umar was unsuccessful in his quest to bring home another belt to Dagestan, he proved that he belongs with the bantamweight elite at UFC 311. But Usman Nurmagomedov’s story doesn’t stop at his sibling bond. To fully appreciate the roots of his greatness, we need to delve deeper into his early life and the values that shaped him into the fighter he is today.

Usman Nurmagomedov’s early life and background

Usman Nurmagomedov’s story begins in Kizilyurt, a small town in Dagestan, Russia on April 17, 1998. Growing up in this rugged region, where combat sports are as ingrained as the mountains themselves, Usman’s path seemed almost preordained.

At just eight years old, he began freestyle wrestling alongside Umar. The brothers spent countless hours in the gym, perfecting their craft. Later, they would join the Eagles MMA camp led by their uncle Abdulmanap. There, they not only mastered sambo but also found themselves training with future MMA legends from the region.

Usman Nurmagomedov’s professional debut came in March 2017 at a tournament in Moscow, where he won via first-round armbar. It was a sign of things to come. He would continue to fight in organizations like GFC and UAE Warriors before signing a multi-fight contract with Bellator.

Now, at the upcoming PFL: Road To Dubai – Champions Series main event on January 25, Usman Nurmagomedov will put his championship on the line against Paul Hughes. With the Nurmagomedov name firmly etched in MMA history, the question now is: how far can Usman push the boundaries of this extraordinary lineage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!