Will the Dagestani camp finally seize the coveted 135lb belt? This burning question has lingered for some time, and the answer may soon unfold at UFC 311. In a highly anticipated showdown, Merab Dvalishvili will defend his bantamweight title against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. The verbal jabs have flown between these two fighters, but now it’s time for action inside the Octagon.

With a flawless career record of 18 wins and zero losses, Nurmagomedov’s dominance speaks volumes. As he prepares to face the relentless pace and cardio of ‘The Machine,’ the MMA world is curious about his fighting arsenal. What makes Umar so formidable? How does his style measure up against the legacy set by his celebrated seniors? Let’s see!

What type of fighter is Umar Nurmagomedov?

Umar Nurmagomedov has split his victories evenly between submissions and unanimous decisions, showcasing his aggressive and calculated approach. Starting his MMA journey at a young age under the guidance of his legendary uncle, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, ‘Young Eagle’ quickly emerged as a standout prospect. While traditional wrestling was a cornerstone in his village, Umar expanded his skillset by mastering Muay Thai and sambo. Moreover, he also relocated to Makhachkala during his youth to train under his uncle.

While his wrestling prowess often dictates the flow of his fights, it would be a mistake to overlook his striking abilities. Despite only securing two victories by TKO, Umar is far from a one-dimensional grappler. In his early days, he was particularly recognized for his powerful kicks, a weapon he still wields when the moment calls for it.

Now that we’ve explored Umar’s skill set, it’s time to compare his approach to that of his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, whose legendary dominance redefined the lightweight division.

Two sides of the same coin: Khabib and Umar

Khabib Nurmagomedov is arguably one of the most feared fighters to ever step into the MMA Octagon. The former lightweight champion remained undefeated throughout his illustrious career, building a reputation for dominance that few have replicated. His fighting style revolved around relentless grappling and suffocating pressure. Known for his sambo and wrestling foundation, Khabib closed the distance with basic yet effective striking before securing takedowns to dominate on the ground.

His ground-and-pound game was methodical, focusing on control rather than flashy submissions, leading to a perfect 29-0 career record. Umar, though heavily influenced by this grappling-heavy style, brings a more dynamic approach to the Octagon. His fighting technique incorporates strong footwork, powerful kicks, and striking combinations to keep opponents guessing. Unlike Khabib, Umar emphasizes blending striking with takedowns and submission threats to maintain unpredictability in his fights.

In a media conversation, Umar gave insight into his grappling evolution, subtly suggesting he might even surpass his cousin’s skill level in certain areas, “You know, like talking about myself, like I’m very good, I’m like that. Like, I don’t know, like people who work with me, who see my grappling matches, my sparring, I think they can tell about that better than me.”

While Umar leans toward a balanced approach of striking and wrestling, his roots remain firmly planted in the grappling-heavy style synonymous with Dagestani fighters. What’s your take on Umar’s evolution and his potential to carry forward the Nurmagomedov legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!