Khabib Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali Abdel-Aziz has had the opportunity to witness many fighters come and go but he believes only one can beat Nurmagomedov’s record.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is arguably one of the all the best in MMA and never suffered defeat throughout his career. The Dagestani has faced the likes of Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier etc and emerged victorious in all these bouts. The fighter retired in 2021 and since then, there is yet to be any fight who has come close to beating his record.
Although none have shown the tenacity Nurmagomedov has, manager Ali Abdel-Aziz believes there is one who has the skill to surpass Khabib’s record and that is his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov.
“There’s no doubt in my mind Umar (Nurmagomedov) will be a champion at 135 pounds, and I believe Umar is going to be a champion for a long time,” Abdelaziz said in an interview with MMA Junkie. “I think Umar is the only guy who can really challenge Khabib’s record. He can retire undefeated, 29-0, 30-0. Of course he has a tough opponent, but I believe Umar is better everywhere.
“Umar is one of the best fighters I’ve ever seen,” Abdelaziz continued. “He is so good everywhere, and he’s so humble and so nice. He was offered Merab in Madison Square Garden and he said yes. And, he was offered Merab in December and he said yes. … Obviously Merab did not want this fight, he didn’t think Umar deserves it. … Sometimes you have to defend your turf. His turf is his title. He was pushed into this fight, he did not want this fight, he didn’t think Umar deserves this fight.”
Umar Nurmagomedov is currently 18-0 as a professional and at just 29 years of age, has more than enough time to hit that perfect-30 mark – especially if he claims the bantamweight championship on January 18.
