5 Dagestani prospects who could one day compete for a UFC title

#4 Usman Nurmagomedov - Bellator lightweight

Usman Nurmagomedov is a younger cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov but, whilst he shares some attributes with the former UFC champion, he is very much his own fighter. Usman Nurmagomedov currently holds an 11-0 record, and recently made his debut for Bellator MMA, defeating Mike Hamel in emphatic fashion.

The primary difference between Khabib and Usman Nurmagomedov lies within the striking realm. Khabib would always look to bring the fight to the ground. Usman Nurmagomedov is an elite stand-up fighter, who also has the classic Dagestani wrestling in his aresnel.

As Ali Abdelaziz said in an interview with Asian MMA, the sky truly is the limit for the undefeated prospect:

"He's a Muay Thai specialist and he's Khabib's brother, you understand? If you have the same blood as Khabib, you have good wrestling... I'm telling you, he is actually a better version than Khabib. He is better than Khabib."

#3 Tagir Ulanbekov - UFC flyweight

We are now moving into the realm of Dagestani fighters already signed by the UFC. First is Tagir Ulanbekov, a training partner of Khabib's, who competes in the UFC's flyweight division.

Ulanbekov currently holds a 12-1 professional record and is 1-0 inside the UFC. His debut for the organization came in 2020, when he defeated Bruno Silva via unanimous decision. He has since seen fights with Matheus Nicolau and Tyson Nam fall through.

However, once Ulanbekov is able to start fighting regularly again, there is a high chance he will rapidly rise through the ranks. The Dagestani 125er is a submission specialist, having subbed six of his 12 opponents, two via armbar, two by gullitotine and two by way of RNC.