Last week, Usman Nurmagomedov secured a unanimous decision victory over Alexander Shabliy in the main event of Bellator Champions Series 4, successfully retaining his Bellator lightweight championship. Shabliy, known as a formidable opponent, was outclassed by Usman, who maintained control throughout most of the fight. It was a solid performance, showcasing the immense potential of this rising MMA star.
In his corner were his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov and the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. With such a formidable coaching team, it’s no surprise Usman was well-guided throughout the bout. At one critical moment during the fight, Usman shook Shabliy, and Khabib, unable to contain his emotions, reacted passionately from the sidelines.
It’s understandable that Khabib’s emotions were running high as Usman clinched this crucial win in his career. Coaching a family member in such a high-stakes setting is nerve-wracking, and Khabib has experienced similar feelings while supporting Umar Nurmagomedov, Abubakar Nurmagomedov, and his close friend UFC champion Islam Makhachev during their bouts.
Regardless, the dominance of the Nurmagomedov clan in the MMA world is undeniable. Fighters across the sport turn to them to elevate their game to the next level. A prime example is UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, who recently stunned Leon Edwards with a dominating performance, after integrating the Nurmagomedov family’s guidance into his training camp.
In the ever-evolving world of MMA, the contributions and influence of the Nurmagomedov family continue to shape the future of the sport.