Umar Nurmagomedov: The Rising Star of MMA
Umar Nurmagomedov is a mixed martial artist from Russia who competes in the bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is the cousin and training partner of the former UFC lightweight champion and one of the greatest fighters of all time, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Umar has an undefeated record of 13-0 and is considered one of the most promising prospects in the sport. In this article, we will explore his background, achievements, fighting style, and religion.
Background and Early Career
Umar Nurmagomedov was born on January 9, 1996, in Kirovaul, Dagestan, Russia. He belongs to the Avar ethnic group, which is the largest and most dominant in Dagestan. He grew up in a family of wrestlers and martial artists, as his father, uncle, and cousins were all involved in combat sports. He started training in wrestling and judo at a young age, and later transitioned to mixed martial arts.
Umar made his professional MMA debut in 2016, fighting in various regional promotions in Russia and Europe. He won his first nine fights, all by stoppage, and captured the Gorilla Fighting Championship bantamweight title in 2019. He also competed in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2019, winning two fights by unanimous decision.
UFC Career and Achievements
Umar Nurmagomedov signed with the UFC in 2020, following the footsteps of his cousin Khabib. He was scheduled to make his debut in April 2020, but the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He then had two more bouts canceled due to visa issues and injuries. He finally made his UFC debut on January 20, 2021, at UFC Fight Island 8, where he faced Sergey Morozov. He dominated the fight and won by rear-naked choke in the second round, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus.
Umar Nurmagomedov’s second UFC fight took place on July 17, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs. Moises, where he faced Brazilian veteran Ricardo Ramos. He put on another impressive performance and won by unanimous decision, extending his winning streak to 13. He is currently ranked #15 in the UFC bantamweight rankings and is expected to face a higher-ranked opponent in his next fight.
Umar Nurmagomedov: The Rising Star of MMA
Fighting Style and Skills
Umar Nurmagomedov is a well-rounded fighter who can strike, wrestle, and grapple at a high level. He is known for his speed, agility, and accuracy, as well as his ability to switch stances and angles. He has a diverse striking arsenal, using punches, kicks, knees, and elbows to attack his opponents. He is also adept at countering and evading strikes, using his footwork and head movement.
Umar Nurmagomedov is also a skilled wrestler and grappler, having a background in freestyle wrestling and judo. He can take down his opponents with single-legs, double-legs, trips, and throws, and can control them on the ground with his top pressure and transitions. He is also dangerous with his submissions, having six wins by choke and one by armbar.
Religion and Personal Life
Umar Nurmagomedov is a devout Muslim, like his cousin Khabib and most of his family and teammates. He follows the teachings and practices of Islam, such as praying five times a day, fasting during Ramadan, and abstaining from alcohol and pork. He also wears a papakha, a traditional woolen hat worn by the people of the Caucasus, as a sign of his culture and heritage.
Umar Nurmagomedov is married and has a son, who was born in 2020. He is very close to his cousin Khabib, who is his mentor and role model. He trains with him at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, and at the Eagles MMA in Moscow, Russia. He also considers Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who passed away in 2020, as his second father and coach.
FAQ
How old is Umar Nurmagomedov?
Umar Nurmagomedov is 28 years old as of 2024.
How tall is Umar Nurmagomedov?
Umar Nurmagomedov is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.
How much does Umar Nurmagomedov weigh?
Umar Nurmagomedov weighs 135 lbs (61 kg), which is the limit for the bantamweight division in the UFC.
How many fights has Umar Nurmagomedov won?
Umar Nurmagomedov has won 13 fights in his professional MMA career, all by stoppage or decision.
How is Umar Nurmagomedov related to Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Umar Nurmagomedov is the cousin and training partner of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion and one of the greatest fighters of all time. They share the same grandfather, who was also a wrestler and a martial artist.
