"Can you imagine” - Khabib Nurmagomedov sets high bar for Usman Nurmagomedov’s potential as an all-time great in MMA 

Khabib Nurmagomedov believes his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, could go down as one of the best fighters in MMA history. 'The Eagle' himself is currently considered one of the all-time best, but he is confident that his younger family member could surpass him in the years to come.

At just 26 years old, Nurmagomedov has already defended his Bellator MMA lightweight title twice. With UFC lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev being his friend and training partner, it is expected that the undefeated fighter will enter the octagon once Makhachev moves to welterweight.

In the meantime, Nurmagomedov will continue competing outside the UFC, and is currently preparing to face off against title challenger Paul Hughes at the Road to Dubai: Champions series event hosted by the Professional Fighters' League (PFL), on Jan. 25.

Ahead of the bout, the former UFC lightweight champion discussed his younger cousin's potential as an all-time legend, while talking to the PFL. He said:

"Very, very easy he can put his name in the top five greatest fighters of all-time. He's only 26, can you imagine after four years, when he becomes 30. [The] next seven [to] ten years, he can be on top very very easily. Can you imagine if he fights 15, 16, 17 more fights. I think he has [the] ability to be there."

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov discussing Usman Nurmagomedov below:

---

Khabib Nurmagomedov dismisses Ireland's MMA pedigree

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor have shared arguably the most infamous rivalry in MMA history, which culminated in their UFC 229 lightweight title fight, one of the most anticipated bouts in promotional history.

Ahead of Usman Nurmagomedov's lightweight title fight against Irishman Paul Hughes, 'The Eagle' shared his thoughts on the pedigree of MMA fightes hailing from Dagestani compared to the 'Emerald Isle'.

In a video uploaded to X by @PFLMMA, Nurmagomedov said:

"Brother, Ireland doesn't have fighters, brother. Let's be honest, how many fighters do you know from Ireland? Paul Hughes and Conor [McGregor], and who else?"

He continued:

"There are no fighters, brother. You can come to Dagestan, you can understand. You know, so many organizations don't even sign Dagestani fighters because they're worried about everyone becoming a champion. Let's be honest, Dagestan's level of MMA is here, but Ireland's level is not even half of Dagestan."

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments below: