What drives an undefeated fighter to greatness? Is it talent, hard work, or the legacy they carry? For Umar Nurmagomedov, it’s all three—and then some. Every time he steps into the Octagon, he represents more than just himself. He fights for his family, his heritage, and the storied Dagestani tradition of excellence in combat sports.

Currently ranked No. 2 in the UFC’s bantamweight division, Umar’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. With wins over names like Cory Sandhagen, Raoni Barcelos, and Brian Kelleher, there’s no denying the talent the Dagestani fighter possesses. But what’s behind his success? Is it the relentless training? The influence of iconic mentors? Or the unshakable bond with his family that shaped his journey from Kizilyurt, Dagestan, to the global stage of MMA?

All about Umar Nurmagomedov’s parents

Born on January 3, 1996, in Kizilyurt, Dagestan, Russia, Umar Nurmagomedov grew up in a region destined to become synonymous with MMA greatness. Alongside his younger brother, Usman Nurmagomedov, and surrounded by a culture where fighting is more of a way of life than a mere pastime, it’s no surprise that Umar gravitated toward combat sports from a young age. His early years were spent practicing freestyle wrestling, a sport ingrained in the Dagestani way of life.

While not much is known about his parents as many fighters from the region prefer to keep their private lives out of the spotlight, it was his uncle, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov who planted the seeds of MMA greatness in his youth.

Wrestling was the first passion, followed closely by Thai boxing, a pursuit he started alone but his younger brother soon joined him. These early experiences were foundational, but the pivotal moment in Umar’s career came when the family moved to Makhachkala, Dagestan’s capital. There, Umar began training with his legendary uncle, the father of ‘The Eagle’ and under whose guidance ‘Team Khabib’ took over the UFC Octagon.

Under Abdulmanap’s watchful eye, Umar’s talent was nurtured, and his path to the top began to take shape and his devotion to his craft paid off early. At just 19 years old, he became a world champion in combat sambo, conquering the -62 kg division at the World Combat Sambo Federation (WCSF) World Championships. His appetite for success didn’t stop there.

The following year, Umar captured the bantamweight title at the WMMAA World Championship in amateur MMA. His family’s emphasis on discipline, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence were ingrained in his DNA, driving him to break through barriers at an age when most are still finding their footing. But what about his relationship with the undefeated former UFC lightweight champion who put Dagestan on the map, Khabib Nurmagomedov?

How is Umar related to Khabib?

If there’s one name synonymous with MMA success in the Nurmagomedov family, it’s Khabib. So, how does Umar fit into this legendary family tree? Umar is Khabib’s cousin, and it’s no coincidence that the two share the same last name. Khabib’s father, the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, was not only his coach but also Umar’s.

It was Abdulmanap who molded Umar into the fighter he is today, passing on the same knowledge that made Khabib one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Umar’s deep admiration for Khabib is clear. He even adopted the moniker ‘Young Eagle,’ inspired by Khabib’s own nickname, ‘The Eagle.’

Now, at UFC 311, ‘The Young Eagle’ is poised to soar towards even greater heights as he takes on Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight crown on January 18. With the weight of that legacy on his shoulders, Umar is eager to make his mark and recently stated, “I think on Jan. 18, I am gonna deserve this name: ‘Eagle.’ No more young, just ‘Eagle’.”

From his humble beginnings in Dagestan to his rise in the UFC, Umar Nurmagomedov’s story is one of family, legacy, and unrelenting ambition. And as he looks to the future, one question lingers—will he be able to carve out a legacy as great as his cousin and possibly surpass him? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!