5 of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov's teammates who can be just as dominant as him

When Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from the UFC in 2020, he took with him a near unmatched legacy. 29 wins without a single loss, a UFC lightweight title, and wins over Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor.

However, whilst Khabib may no longer be competing inside the octagon, he is still impacting the the future of MMA. 'The Eagle' has transitioned to a coaching role, like his father before him.

UFC 242 Khabib v Poirier

He can now be seen regularly cornering Dagestani fighters, both in the UFC and other MMA promotions. Dagestan is producing some of the best prospects in MMA right now. It seems likely that at least one of Khabib's protogees will at some point replicate the divisional dominance that 'The Eagle' once had.

In the following list we break down five of Khabib Nurmagomedov's teammates who can be just as dominant as him. Honorable mentions go to Abubakar Nurmagomedov, Movlid Khaybulaev and Islam Mamedov.

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#5. Tagir Ulanbekov - UFC flyweight

The No.15-ranked UFC flyweight Tagir Unalbekov recently picked up his second UFC win against Allan Nascimento at UFC 267. Nascimento was a high level opponent who forced Ulanbekov to work for every second of the fight.

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However, Nascimento also allowed Ulanbekov to demonstrate just how well-rounded a fighter he truly is. The Dagestani flyweight defended numerous submission attempts, utilized heavy top control and outstruck his opponent over the three rounds of their fight.

Eagle-eyed fans will no doubt have noticed the presence of Khabib Nurmagomedov in Ulanbekov's corner during the fight. With 'The Eagle's' aid, Ulanbekov has a great chance at making a run at the UFC's flyweight title.

It is not yet known who Ulanbekov will face next. Considering he was already ranked within the top 15 going into his fight with Nascimento, a top 10 opponent seems likely. Matheus Nicolau would be a fight that seems logical, as does a matchup with Matt Schnell or David Dvorak.

#4. Zubaira Tukhugov - UFC featherweight

Zubaira Tukhugov is another teammate of Khabib Nurmagomedov who competed at UFC 267. He put on what was arguably a career-best performance against the always dangerous Ricardo Ramos.

Tukhugov's striking, especially his jab, appears to have come on leaps and bounds. He was able to keep outpointing Ramos by throwing it out, and then also using it to set up heavy overhands and rear straights.

Tukhugov has been in the UFC since 2014, and now has five wins over legitimate opposition such as Douglas Silva de Andrade and Kevin Aguilar. His performance against Ramos showed some noticeable improvements in his game, and it may well be the perfect time for Tukhugov to put together a run into the UFC's 145lb rankings.

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#3. Usman Nurmagomedov - Bellator lightweight

Usman Nurmagomedov has been heralded by Javier Mendez as the one Dagestani prospect who has the potential to not only equal Khabib's dominance, but surpass it.

This is high praise indeed. Whilst Usman Nurmagomedov may well reach these highs in his career one day, for the time being he is building up an impressive undefeated record.

Usman signed with Bellator MMA at the start of 2021, where he has since gone 3-0. This brings Usman's total record to 14-0. However, whilst this record does look impressive, he is yet to face off against truly high-level opposition.

Now ranked within the top 10 of Bellator's lightweight division, it seems likely that his next opponent will be a noticeable step up in quality. It may be that this fight truly determines whether Usman can replicate Khabib's success in the sport of MMA.

#2. Umar Nurmagomedov - UFC bantamweight

The only current undefeated Nurmagomedov competing within the UFC, Umar Nurmagomedov, seems destined for greatness. Having made his UFC debut at the start of 2021, Umar Nurmagomedov looks set to become one of the year's breakout stars.

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However, injuries have hampered his progression, and it appears he will be out until 2022. Umar is still a fighter to watch out for though. He currently holds a 13-0 record, having competed in a number of promotions outside the UFC, including the PFL.

When Umar's UFC debut came around in January 2021, he instantly made his mark, submitting the experienced Sergey Morozov in the second round. If he is able to avoid sustaining any more injuries, Umar Numragomedov could easily ascend to the 135lb rankings in 2022.

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#1. Islam Makhachev - UFC lightweight

The man who looks most likely to replicate Khabib Nurmagomedov's dominance in MMA is, of course, Islam Makhachev. A close friend and teammate of Khabib's, Makhachev has picked things up where Khabib left off, having blitzed through the UFC's lightweight division.

Just like Ulanbekov and Tukhugov, Makhachev competed at UFC 267. Out of the three men, it was his performance that captured the headlines like no other. He took on No.6-ranked Dan Hooker, a man who has gone five rounds with the likes of Dustin Poirier and Paul Felder.

However, against Makhachev, 'The Hangman' did not get out of the first round. Makhachev took him down, and swiftly locked in a kimura. The effortless nature of Makhachev's win was nothing short of amazing, and he appears guaranteed a number one contender shot next.

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