Khabib Nurmagomedov Defends UFC Matchup as Cousin Umar Gets #8 Ranked Opponent

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals why he is not worried about Umar Nurmagomedov taking on David Martinez at UFC Abu Dhabi.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Defends UFC Matchup as Cousin Umar Gets #8 Ranked Opponent

Khabib Nurmagomedov defends cousins' next matchup (via MMA Mania, X)

Few figures have shaped the development of MMA like Khabib Nurmagomedov. His success inspired athletes worldwide to travel to Dagestan and sharpen their skills. However, Umar Nurmagomedov has trained under both Khabib and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. As Umar pursues another title opportunity, ‘The Eagle’ recently explained why their team accepts any challenge offered to them.

The bond between Khabib and Umar goes beyond a typical coach-fighter relationship. Umar grew up in the Nurmagomedov training system created by Abdulmanap, learning from an early age. Following Abdulmanap’s passing in 2020, the former lightweight champion took on a larger leadership role. Since then, he has helped guide ‘The Young Eagle’ into a leading UFC bantamweight contender.

Umar is now scheduled to face David Martinez at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25, 2026. Martinez enters the matchup ranked No. 8 after defeating Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera in February. Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov currently holds the No. 2 spot in the UFC bantamweight rankings. Ahead of the fight, Khabib explained that their team remains focused on competing regardless of an opponent’s ranking position.

We don’t choose opponents. Whoever they give us, we’ll fight him, and after that we’ll see where the wins take us. We’ve already gone through this lesson in the team. Of course, we wanted someone in the top 5, but they’re all booked or busy.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via Instagram

Umar suffered the first loss of his professional career against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 in January 2026. He rebounded with an impressive performance against Mario Bautista at UFC 321, returning to the win column. Umar further strengthened his position with another strong outing at UFC 324. There, he earned a unanimous decision victory over former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo.

Those victories restored Umar’s momentum and kept him in the title picture. However, with many top-five bantamweights already booked, the UFC matched him against Martinez instead. Addressing the situation, Khabib explained that their camp does not focus on selecting opponents. According to the UFC legend, the priority remains winning fights and advancing toward another championship opportunity.

That approach also reflects the mindset Umar continues to develop. After UFC 321, he admitted he does not share Khabib’s mentality and that he still has areas for improvement. That mindset could shape his future as he pursues UFC championship success. With Khabib Nurmagomedov guiding his progress, the Dagestani bantamweight contender remains focused on his upcoming matchup at UFC Abu Dhabi.

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Former UFC champion defends Khabib Nurmagomedov’s recent comments about women’s MMA

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s upbringing in Dagestan played a major role in shaping his disciplined outlook on life. Raised under the guidance of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, he followed a strict training routine from a young age. The former UFC champion is also known for holding traditional views rooted in his Islamic faith. Throughout his career, those beliefs have influenced his public image.

Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about his coaching regiments
Khabib Nurmagomedov (via BJ Penn)

Those views recently sparked renewed debate after comments Nurmagomedov made about women competing in combat sports drew criticism. The discussion quickly spread across the MMA community, with many interpreting his remarks as opposition to female participation in fighting. As the backlash grew, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman stepped in to defend the UFC lightweight legend.

This has nothing to do with what society or the American public is taking it as. Khabib didn’t mean that women can’t do anything, he didn’t mean that. We know that fighting is a rough sport and men (go to) war, and she was taking it out of context. Khabib meant it’s a violent thing that men do, and that’s why you leave that to men.

Kamaru Usman via Pound4Pound Show

The controversy also prompted a response from women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, who disagreed with Nurmagomedov’s comments. Her remarks added another perspective to the debate. Despite that, Usman maintained that Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments were being misinterpreted. His defense showed how The Eagle’s views continue to spark discussion across MMA.

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