LAS VEGAS – Umar Nurmagomedov thinks it’s just a matter of time until he’s at the top of the bantamweight division.
Nurmagomedov (14-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), who is the cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib, will look to extend his perfect record on Saturday when he meets Nate Maness (14-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) on the UFC on ESPN 38 main card, which takes place at the UFC Apex and airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN2.
After some early frustrations getting fights inside the octagon, Nurmagomedov will compete for the second time this year against a solid opponent in Maness. He hopes this fight will show he’s “quickly” ready to fight the top names at 135 pounds.
“I think I’m ready for these guys, and I want to push,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 38 media day. “If they give me top 15, I’m ready. I know this. I can compete with these guys. But I don’t know where they’ll put me after this fight.”
Although he’s beaming with confidence, Nurmagomedov said he’s been taught by his cousin Khabib and other coaches at American Kickboxing Academy not to look past the present moment. Nurmagomedov said he respects what Maness brings to the table as an opponent, but he fully intends on getting his hand raised.
“I think he’s good fighter,” Nurmagomedov said. “He has good boxing, good grappling, good wrestling. We’ll see. He’s good fighter. I’m feeling it’s going to be a good fight.
Khabib’s cousin Umar Nurmagomedov certain he can beat the best ahead of UFC on ESPN 38