Umar Nurmagomedov, the undefeated UFC bantamweight contender, is gearing up for his most significant challenge yet as he prepares to face Cory Sandhagen at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on August 3.
With an impressive 18-fight win streak under his belt, Nurmagomedov spoke exclusively to Arabian Business about his championship aspirations and the weight of his family’s legacy in the world of mixed martial arts.
“Right now, I want to become a champion,” Nurmagomedov said, as he outlined his primary goal in the UFC. The #10 ranked bantamweight has been methodically climbing the division’s ladder, with recent victories over Almakhan in March 2024 and Raoni Barcelos in January 2023.
Nurmagomedov’s preparation for the upcoming bout has been rigorous and comprehensive, he shared.
“We’re preparing for this fight for all five rounds,” he explained. “We trained the first part at home in Dagestan, Makhachkala. Then for the last month, we came here to finish in Dubai.”
The Dagestani fighter attributes much of his success to his support system. “We are not just a team, we are family,” he said, highlighting the close-knit nature of his training group. “We all support each other a lot, not just in the gym, but outside the gym, in every way. I think it is one of the reasons for my success.”
Carrying the Nurmagomedov name brings both pressure and motivation for the young fighter. As the cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Umar acknowledged the responsibility that comes with his family’s legacy.
“It’s some pressure, but it’s motivating me,” he admitted. “Being a man means always facing difficulties. We have to be strong.”
Looking beyond his upcoming fight, Nurmagomedov has his sights set on the division’s top contenders. “I think it’s going to be Merab Dvalishvili or Sean O’Malley,” he said when asked about potential future opponents.
“I want to fight both. I want to smash them.”
As Nurmagomedov prepares to step into the octagon at Etihad Arena, he carries not only his personal ambitions but also the hopes of his considerable fanbase in Abu Dhabi. His deep-rooted ties to the UFC, including mentorship from the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, have only fueled his determination to succeed.
The upcoming UFC Fight Night event marks the promotion’s 19th return to Abu Dhabi. For Nurmagomedov, it represents another opportunity to prove himself on the global stage and take a step closer to his ultimate goal of UFC gold.
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