Umar Nurmagomedov Talks Fan Narrative of UFC Favoritism Due to Being Khabib’s Cousin

MMA fans have always accused Umar Nurmagomedov of getting favorable treatment due to the name value of his elder cousin.

Umar Nurmagomedov Talks Fan Narrative of UFC Favoritism Due to Being Khabib’s Cousin

Umar and Khabib Nurmagomedov (Image via MMA Fighting/Bloody Elbow)

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are among the top 10 MMA fighters of all time. As such, their legacies have elevated Dagestan to huge global popularity. Bantamweight star Umar Nurmagomedov is now following in their footsteps with an eye on UFC gold.

‘Young Eagle’ will return this weekend during the main event of UFC Shanghai to take on Song Yadong. A win over the Chinese fighter could secure a future title shot for Nurmagomedov. He has had to compete more than usual to get his second UFC title shot.

His first title shot came at UFC 311, but some fans and then-champion Merab Dvalishvili complained that Nurmagomedov only had one-ranked win.

This time, ‘Young Eagle’ made sure to go through other ranked names and spoke about fans accusing him of receiving favorable treatment due to being the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Yes, there’s a narrative among people that I got handed everything on a silver platter and I didn’t have to go the hard way the other fighters have to. It’s not my fault that I was born as Khabib’s cousin. I wanted this way of life and I chose it.

Umar Nurmagomedov told Red Corner MMA

Umar also wondered if the UFC would have signed him if he didn’t share the same last name as Khabib Nurmagomedov during the interview. However, he admitted that what mattered now was his ambition to win the UFC gold and not focus on changing the opinion of fans.

Before UFC 311, Nurmagomedov only defeated Cory Sandhagen as a ranked name. Now, in his second attempt to receive a title shot, ‘Young Eagle’ has defeated Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 321 and UFC 324, respectively.

A win over Yadong would give Umar a three-fight winning streak and he could inch one more step closer to a title shot. Nurmagomedov and Sean O’Malley are the next leading contenders to get a title shot. O’Malley recently won at UFC Freedom 250 with a stellar knockout.

Champion Petr Yan and Dvalishvili has their trilogy bout booked for UFC 333. The UFC will pick the most lucrative opponent for the next title shot. Being the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov may come in handy ‘Young Eagle’ as long as he defeats Yadong at UFC Shanghai.

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Umar Nurmagomedov looking to follow in his cousin’s path

At UFC 311, Khabib Nurmagomedov cornered Umar against Merab Dvalishvili. The bout started well with Umar pressuring Dvalishvili on the feet for the first two rounds. However, the cardio of Nurmagomedov started depleting during the third round.

Umar Nurmagomedov with his brother and cousin
Umar Nurmagomedov with his brother and cousin (Image via MMA Fighting)

Soon, Dvalishvili used his superior cardio to overwhelm his heated rival. Rounds three and four saw Umar get pressured and he even lost key grappling exchanges. At the end of round five, Dvalishvili rocked his rival and secured a takedown to clearly win the round.

After five rounds, the judges gave Dvalishvili the victory, but Umar vowed to fight again for the title. Recently, ‘Young Eagle’ spoke about his ambition and what it means for him to carry forward the Dagestani legacy in the UFC by winning the bantamweight title.

I want to win the UFC belt not because I want to prove that I’m this or that, but I want to become champion just for myself, for my father, who invested so much in me, for my brothers who believe in me, and for Khabib in particular. I want to recreate his story to make our legacy even greater.

Umar Nurmagomedov told Red Corner MMA

At 30, Nurmagomedov is entering his prime self and could have five more years at the top. As such, he will likely receive at least one more opportunity at the title. It remains to be seen if he can recreate the story of Khabib in the UFC.

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