12 August 2024

Umar Nurmagomedov has a great chance to become UFC champion

Until recently, Islam Makhachev became the main fighter of the two previous martial arts tournaments at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. His uncompromising fights were awaited as a real show. When it became known that this summer it would not be Makhachev who would enter the octagon, but Nurmagomedov and Sandhagen, sympathy for the new pair was no less than for those in which Islam was. The event marked the promotion's 20th visit to Abu Dhabi and the first since UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov in August 2024. The fight ended with a unanimous decision in favor of the Russian fighter after a knockout, in which Umar beautifully sent the American.

The division also includes Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili, but Umar still has a good chance. The Russian mixed martial artist, who competes under the auspices of the UFC, already has many high-profile titles and awards to his credit, and is ranked tenth among athletes in the bantamweight division.

A second cousin of undefeated UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and a full brother of undefeated mixed martial artist Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar is no less talented than his famous relatives, so the championship may be within his reach.

Umar began his career in martial arts under the guidance of his uncle, Honored Coach of Russia Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who developed the future star's technical base based on the tough techniques of Thai boxing. As part of the EFN Fight Nights Global 57 tournament in the capital, he went out for his first fight against the much more famous and experienced Rishat Kharisov. The newcomer then won with an absolutely beautiful knockout, and since then victories have become his constant companions. His cooperation with the UFC management began in the winter of 2019. Then he was supposed to fight against Sergey Morozov, but due to illness he had to refuse the fight. As a result, the debut took place only in 2021, when Umar knocked out Frankie Edgar. In the meantime, Khabib's brother defeated Corey, and UFC head Dana White announced that the native of Dagestan will hold a title fight against the leader of the fight Merab Dvalishvili. Umar's potential opponent recently defeated Sean O'Malley in spectacular fashion. Umar's fight with Merab is scheduled for the middle of the first month of autumn. So Umar has very little time to rest, and it's time to get ready.

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