U THE MAN
Usman Nurmagomedov is the undefeated MMA prodigy who is on track to be BETTER than legendary cousin Khabib
He is from an iconic MMA bloodline
USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV is the undefeated MMA prodigy on track to become even better than his legendary cousin Khabib.
The 26-year-old has 18 wins - with 14 by stoppage - and was described as an overall talent specialising in Muay Thai and grappling.
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He is the lightweight champion of Bellator - which last year merged with the Professional Fighters League.
Usman is part of the fearsome Nurmagomedov dynasty, which saw cousin Khabib retire at 29-0 while brother Umar is currently 18-0.
Their coach Javier Mendez also cornered the likes of Daniel Cormier to MMA world titles at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose.
And Cormier - who spent years training with the Nurmagomedovs - claimed Usman may be the best of the bunch.
He told : “Isn’t it crazy to watch the success that these guys have had? Not only just Khabib but to have Umar and Usman.
“Usman might be the best out of all of them. This dude is amazing in terms of fighting. He fights in Bellator, now the PFL.”
Sonnen added: “The first family of fighting is the Gracie family, but the Nurmagomedovs are coming for the title.”
Mendez has also trained UFC legend Cain Velasquez and current lightweight champ Islam Makhachev.
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But he reckons Usman stands out above them all.
Mendez said on the Jibber with Jabber : "I've said it before when I trained him, that he's got the most skill out of everybody I have ever trained in my whole entire life.
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"And what has he done? He's gone and proved it, he's done everything.
"All his fights showcase great Jiu-Jitsu, great wrestling ability, great striking."
The only blemish on Usman's record is a no-contest against Brent Primus - which was overturned from a points win.
Usman tested positive for a banned substance which came from a prescription drug.
The unintentional nature of the breach mean the fighter avoided being stripped of his title.
Usman returned with a points victory over Alexandr Shabliy in September and now faces Irishman Paul Hughes on January 25 in Dubai.
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