USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV is the undefeated MMA prodigy from a bloodline of fighters who wrestled BEARS.

The 26-year-old has 18 wins – with 14 by stoppage – and was described as an total expertise specialising in Muay Thai and grappling.

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He’s the light-weight champion of Bellator – which final yr merged with the Skilled Fighters League.

Usman is a part of the fearsome Nurmagomedov dynasty, which noticed cousin Khabib retire at 29-0 whereas brother Umar is at the moment 18-0.

Their coach Javier Mendez additionally cornered the likes of Daniel Cormier to MMA world titles on the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose.

And Cormier – who spent years coaching with the Nurmagomedovs – claimed Usman could also be one of the best of the bunch.

He advised Chael Sonnen: “Isn’t it loopy to look at the success that these guys have had? Not solely simply Khabib however to have Umar and Usman.

“Usman could be one of the best out of all of them. This dude is wonderful when it comes to preventing. He fights in Bellator, now the PFL.”

Sonnen added: “The primary household of preventing is the Gracie household, however the Nurmagomedovs are coming for the title.”

Mendez has additionally skilled UFC legend Cain Velasquez and present light-weight champ Islam Makhachev.

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However he reckons Usman stands out above all of them.

Mendez mentioned on the Jibber with Jabber podcast: “I’ve mentioned it earlier than once I skilled him, that he is acquired essentially the most ability out of everyone I’ve ever skilled in my complete total life.

“And what has he executed? He is gone and proved it, he is executed the whole lot.

“All his fights showcase nice Jiu-Jitsu, nice wrestling means, nice putting.”

It’s no marvel the Nurmagomedovs are so fearless within the cage – having grown up wrestling and coaching with bears in Dagestan.

Grainy footage from the late 90s reveals Khabib grappling with a cub aged simply NINE – one thing his late father Abdulmanap would encourage.

Abdulmanap, who handed away in 2020 as a consequence of Covid issues, mentioned: “First, a father all the time needs to test on what his son his able to. 

“It’s a pity that there have been no fights extra fascinating when he was youthful. In the long run, this was a take a look at of character greater than train.”

Khabib retired in 2020 unbeaten at 29-0 whereas his cousin Umar just lately suffered defeat for the primary time, dropping to UFC champ Merab Berdzenishvili.

The one blemish on Usman’s document is a no-contest in opposition to Brent Primus – which was overturned from a factors win.

Usman examined constructive for a banned substance which got here from a prescription drug.

The unintentional nature of the breach imply the fighter prevented being stripped of his title.

Usman returned with a factors victory over Alexandr Shabliy in September and now faces Irishman Paul Hughes on January 25 in Dubai.

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