When Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks about a fighter from his team, it is rarely casual praise or empty hype. Built on discipline, restraint, and absolute standards, the former undefeated UFC champion raises expectations only when reality supports them. His recent comments about Usman Nurmagomedov reflect exactly that mindset.
According to Khabib, Usman is no longer a developing prospect, but a fully formed fighter who has already reached the level of the world’s elite — including Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. Such a statement carries significant weight, especially when it places the reigning PFL champion alongside one of the most feared champions in the sport today.
Khabib Nurmagomedov :
Usman Nurmagomedov est désormais au niveau d’Ilia Topuria et d’Arman Tsarukyan 👀
🔥
« En un an, il a énormément progressé.Je travaille avec lui personnellement, et aujourd’hui il est au même niveau. Avant, j’aurais dit d’attendre… plus maintenant. » pic.twitter.com/BDxnUcR77o
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) February 3, 2026
Still undefeated and steadily rising, Usman Nurmagomedov is coming off a strong win over Paul Hughes and is set to defend his title against Alfie Davis in Dubai. Despite never having competed in the UFC, Khabib believes the competitive gap between Usman and the top fighters of the leading organization no longer exists. In his view, level matters more than promotion.
What gives this assessment real credibility is Khabib’s proximity. He trains with Usman, works with him personally, and witnesses his progression firsthand. Khabib insists that over the past year, Usman has made a decisive leap — a shift from “wait and see” to “ready right now.”
These comments reflect the long-standing philosophy of the Nurmagomedov camp: build champions before building stars. After Khabib himself and then Islam Makhachev, Usman now appears to be the next standard-bearer of a system defined by discipline, pressure, and complete control inside the cage.
When Khabib says that “time will tell,” it is not a hedge. It is confidence rooted in a process that has already produced dominant champions. The question is no longer whether Usman Nurmagomedov can match Ilia Topuria’s level — but when, and on which stage, he will be given the chance to prove it.
