UNCASVILLE, Conn. – The Nurmagomedov family name is spreading into Bellator.
Usman Nurmagomedov, who is the cousin of retired former UFC lightweight champion Khabib, will become the first member of his family to fight under the Bellator banner when he takes on Mike Hamel in a lightweight bout on Friday at Bellator 255.
The highly touted undefeated prospect was a sought after talent by various organizations, but he said in his mind there was a clear reason to go with Bellator.
“We’ve got enough Nurmagomedov’s in the UFC,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie through an interpreter on Wednesday. “So we needed to move on, so that’s why I picked Bellator. They needed one as well.”
Whether he’s joking or not, Nurmagomedov is glad he’s in Bellator. He said he’s “very excited” to be part of the organization, and at just 22, has a long of time remaining in the sport to have changes in scenery.
Nurmagomedov is currently focused on making a mark in Bellator, though, and he’ll carry the momentum of his teammates. Since his retirement from fighting, Khabib has taken a primary role in cornering and coaching his family members.
Khabib has helped corner multiple of his teammates to victory in recent months, and he’ll be there against cageside at Bellator 255. Nurmagomedov said it’s his goal to carry on the trend.
“Khabib already cornered and did a camp for two of our teammates and they successfully won their fights,” Nurmagomedov said. “Khabib is a very great coach, same as a fighter. So I’m sure I will be the third one from this team that will get a win.”
Nurmagomedov (11-0 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) said he’s not trying to get overzealous about his career ambitions, and his primary goal is to get his Bellator run off to a good start against Hamel (7-4 MMA, 0-1 BMMA).
That doesn’t mean Nurmagomedov doesn’t have big dreams, though. He said his ambition is to eventually get the Bellator title around his waist.
“I have my debut, I have my opponent and after that we will see,” Nurmagomedov said. “Of course I would like to be a champion and I would like to be a champion in every organization I fight in.”
Bellator 255 takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The entire card streams on MMA Junkie.
With ‘enough Nurmagomedov’s in the UFC,’ Khabib’s cousin Usman looks to make splash in Bellator