Coach hails Usman Nurmagomedov as the "Luke Rockhold of Dagestan"

Usman Nurmagomedov was recently crowned the new Bellator lightweight champion following his demolition of Patricky 'Pitbull' Freire at Bellator 288.

Nurmagomedov is an incredibly effective grappler, having trained sambo with both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev growing up. But it was Nurmagomedov's striking that made him so dangerous, as he trained Muay Thai from a young age too.

His coach, Javier Mendez, recently hailed the lightweight as "the Luke Rockhold of Dagestan." Rockhold was viewed as arguably the most complete fighter in MMA during his prime, as he had both world-class grappling and deadly striking.

Mendez, who coached both Nurmagomedov and Rockhold at the American Kickboxing Academy, was recently interviewed by Helen Yee and he said:

"He's got it all. He's got the looks, he's got the charisma, the fighting style, he's got the length, the power, the desire. He's the total package. Complete total package. He's probably the Luke Rockhold of Dagestan."

Watch the interview below from 11:35:

Arguably the biggest similarity between Usman Nurmagomedov's style and Luke Rockhold's is their patented left high kick. Both fighters have displayed surgical accuracy with their left leg, with opponents knowing its potential consequences and steering clear of it.

With youth on his side, Usman Nurmagomedov could reign supreme in Bellator's lightweight division for years to come. The current champion is only 24 years old, and a move to the UFC could be in the Dagestani's future.

But with close friend and training partner Islam Makhachev having only recently secured the UFC lightweight title, Nurmagomedov could delay his move until a more suitable time.

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AJ McKee doesn't think Usman Nurmagomedov has been 'tested' in his career yet

AJ McKee recently claimed that Usman Nurmagomedov's championship reign is not official until he beats a "real champion." McKee was referring to the manner in which Nurmagomedov won his Bellator title against Patricky 'Pitbull' Freire.

According to McKee, Freire was "gifted" the Bellator lightweight title by his brother Patricio when he vacated the title to allow his brother to pursue title aspirations. In the opinion of the 'Mercenary', Nurmagomedov did not beat a champion in order to win the title.

During a recent episode of the Weighing In podcast with John McCarthy and Josh Thomson, McKee explained his eagerness to face Usman Nurmagomedov by saying:

"I want to give him a test. I don't feel he's really been tested yet. Patricky [Freire[, that wasn't a... he's not a champion to me. He was gifted that belt from his brother. To be a champion, you must beat a champion. So that's bodyshop 1-0-1. If you ain't beat a champ you not a champ."

Watch the interview below from 20:40: