Khabib Nurmagomedov was in his cousin Umar’s corner during UFC Abu Dhabi, and he was eager to respond to Umar’s win over Cory Sandhagen.
Having experienced his own journey in the UFC as an undefeated champion for several years, Khabib now helps guide others toward their own successes. Islam Makhachev has already captured the lightweight title, and Umar Nurmagomedov may be next. Umar secured a unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi.
It is likely that “The Young Eagle” will challenge the winner of the fight between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, which will take place at UFC 306. O’Malley also reacted to Umar’s victory. Khabib Nurmagomedov was asked about which of his cousins might be best suited to win the title. The former lightweight champion believes that the undefeated young fighter will be ready regardless of who holds the belt.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Believes Umar Is Ready for the UFC Title
“I want Merab to be the champion, to be honest, because he’s from Georgia. [Dagestan and Georgia are neighbors. I want Merab to win, as it would be an exciting fight. White papakha versus black papakha. But if O’Malley wins, it will be white papakha versus pink papakha.”
“It will be a good fight, O’Malley. It’s a very high-level fight for fans around the world. It’s not easy to beat Umar. It’s not easy to beat Merab or Sean O’Malley. It’s a top-level fight. Anything can happen, but in my opinion, Umar is ready.”
From the arrival of legend Khabib Nurmagomedov alongside tonight's headliner, Umar Nurmagomedov
من وصول الأسطورة حبيب نورمحمدوف إلى جانب المتصدر لعرض الليلة، عمر نورمحمدوف#UFCAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/OV8RTwRZUA
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) August 4, 2024
Umar Nurmagomedov is now 6-0 in the UFC (18-0 overall) since joining the promotion in 2021. Meanwhile, O’Malley won the bantamweight title by defeating Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292, and he defended his title against Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC 299 in Miami last March.
It appears that the young Nurmagomedov is poised for a major step towards the top, with the support and confidence of his family and fans, making him a prominent contender in the near future.
