They say talent runs in the family and that is certainly the case with the Nurmagomedov family. Cousin of UFC lightweight champion Khabib, Usman Nurmagomedov seems as if he is following in the footsteps of his MMA superstar family member after showing he can more than hang inside the cage.With Khabib in his corner, Usman extended his MMA record to 10-0 with his victory inside just 40 seconds against Jerry Kvanstrom.The bout was the first fight Khabib has been to since his father Abdulmanap’s passing.Usman was fighting on the UAE Warriors 12 card in Abu Dhabi. It was here he made it a perfect 10 victories from 10 in the opening round by submission. Usman came out of the blocks quickly, landing a flurry of strikes before taking his almost already beaten opponent to the ground where he submitted him, real Khabib style. What is scary for Usman’s following opponents is that the Russian is only 23, and with the likes of Khabib in his corner, he is learning from the best, meaning the only way is up for the young fighter. Many die-hard Khabib fans who know about his cousin are asking the question of ‘what is next?’
One thing that is for certain is that Usman needs a step up in difficulty as he could finish these nobodies inside the first round for the rest of his life.
Despite Usman’s career getting of to a flyer, being unbeaten in 10 fights, it is Khabib who has decisions to make.
With Khabib-Gaethje scheduled for October 24, and with Khabib expected to win this bout, this would take his record to 29-0, meaning his next fight could potentially take him to 30-0.
If Khabib happens to beat Gaethje, his 30th fight is thought to be his last.
The most popular rumour is that he will tempt Conor McGregor out of retirement to fight one last time in one of the biggest superfights in history.
Following Khabib taking the win in their first scrap in 2018, McGregor may be looking for revenge, as we know, the Irishman isn’t one to be humiliated as it is usually him humiliating people himself.
There has even been hints of a potential fight between George St. Pierre and Khabib.
Although this is exceedingly unlikely, this would be an unbelievable fight and one for the ages.
After all, this is all banking on the fact that Khabib beats Justin Gaethje, who happens to be in the form of his life following an upset victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 249.
Gaethje appears confident even tossing the interim belt away in a post-fight interview saying: “Let’s wait for the real one.”
Whatever happens, UFC fans are in for a cracking year or two in the lightweight division as Khabib attempts the nigh on impossible, going unbeaten in UFC.