What’s in a nickname? For Umar Nurmagomedov, it’s everything. A member of Team Khabib, the undefeated bantamweight arrived in the UFC in 2021 with a ‘Performance of the Night’ against Sergey Morozov. Then, he went on a tear which included wins over names like Brian Kelleher, Nate Maness, and most recently, Cory Sandhagen.

Yet, despite his incredible success inside the Octagon, one shadow looms large over the bantamweight star. His cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov.  With a critical title fight looming, Umar has embraced the challenge of stepping out of his legendary cousin’s shadow. He doesn’t just want to carve his path; he wants to redefine it!

Is Umar Nurmagomedov ‘The Eagle’ now?

At UFC 311, Umar Nurmagomedov faces the defining moment of his career. He’ll be taking on Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

A victory over ‘The Machine’ would place the bantamweight title around his waist and, in Umar’s view, give him the right to inherit the moniker that has long symbolized his family’s dominance in MMA. But does he truly have what it takes to claim the name that defined Khabib’s legendary career?

Umar, currently boasting an 18-0 record, seems to think that with Khabib in his corner at UFC 311, he is destined to carry on the family’s legacy. But along with the bantamweight title, he’s also got ‘The Eagle’ nickname in his crosshairs!

In a video shared on Instagram by Javier Mendez, head coach of AKA (American Kickboxing Academy), Umar explained, “He’s The Eagle, right? He is my older brother (cousin), and if you look at it like that, I’m the younger brother and younger eagle. It means, not age, but new generation.”

According to him, his current nickname, ‘Young Eagle’ creates a lot of problems for both him and Khabib. Why? Umar further shared, “We can’t both be eagles. He is ‘Old Eagle’. If I am just ‘Eagle’, he is Old Eagle. I become Eagle, but between us, people are going to call him Old Eagle. I think on January 18, I’m going to deserve this name — Eagle — no more ‘Young’”

It’s a bold claim, especially when considering the weight of Khabib’s legacy. Yet, Umar’s confidence seems unshakable. With Khabib cheering him on, Umar believes that January 18 will mark not just his rise as champion but as the true heir to the family’s symbolic name. But how did Khabib Nurmagomedov receive the nickname in the first place?

Origins of Khabib’s nickname ‘The Eagle’

Khabib Nurmagomedov didn’t just earn the nickname ‘The Eagle’—he embodied it. Born in the rugged terrain of Dagestan, where eagles soar over mountainous landscapes, Khabib’s fighting style and resilience mirrored the predator’s sharp focus and strength. The name also tied him deeply to his roots, as the eagle is a symbol of Dagestan’s republic.

With a flawless 29-0 record, he retired as arguably one of MMA’s all-time greats. But his journey wasn’t without hardship. The passing of his father and mentor, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, in 2020 marked a turning point. Khabib hung up his gloves and shifted his focus to family and coaching, leaving behind a legacy others could only dream of.

In his retirement, he took on the responsibility of coaching his fellow Dagestani teammates. And during a recent interview with UFC.com, ‘The Eagle’ confessed, “A couple days ago, we was talking with Islam and Tagir and we’re like, it’s been 18 years we’ve traveled together and fight together in other amateur sports, then we moved to professionals and so many training camps together. It’s something amazing. I don’t think people realize how close, I don’t think people realize how many years we spent together.”

This brotherhood is more than just camaraderie—it’s a foundation of trust, loyalty, and shared purpose. As such, Umar’s desire to claim the nickname ‘The Eagle’ isn’t just about branding; it’s about identity. But the question remains: Can he rise to the occasion at UFC 311 and prove that he’s ready to bear the weight of a name so deeply tied to greatness? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!