Khabib Nurmagomedov offers words of wisdom to cousin Umar amid UFC title shot debacle

Khabib Nurmagomedov faced a situation similar to what his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov is facing now during his time in the UFC. The former lightweight champion had to wait two years for his title shot as the UFC favored Conor McGregor over the Hall of Famer for the lightweight belt at UFC 205.

Reacting to Merab Dvalishvili’s recent comments on Umar, 'The Eagle' took to his Instagram story to share a motivational message for his brother. Khabib expressed that Umar should be patient and that the time will come when everyone will be willing to fight him.

“Islam [Makhachev] and I have already been in his place… This is called a transition period. Over time, everyone will want to fight you. Just keep pushing forward.”

Earlier this year in August, the 28-year-old delivered an impressive performance against Cory Sandhagen and was set to face the winner of Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley for the title.

O'Malley confirmed that if he won, he would fight the 'Young Eagle,' but Dvalishvili went on to secure the bantamweight title at Noche UFC 306. When asked about his next fight during the octagon interview, he avoided mentioning Umar's name.

Last week during a Q&A, the reigning bantamweight champion was asked by a fan about the 'Young Eagle.' When the fan suggested that he was scared of Umar, he replied:

“Where? He’s taking fights, he’s scared, he’s fighting somebody else, where is he? Where is he? Tell me. He wants to get knocked out from somebody and then he’s gonna make excuse… He’s not going to make this fight. I’m not making fight."

Dvalishvili continued:

“Dana White and Hunter [Campbell] making decision to who I’m going to fight next. I don’t make decision. I never make decision. If Dana White tell me I have to fight Umar, I’ll fight Umar. But you know what, Umar doesn’t deserve to fight me. Sean O’Malley deserve to fight me and I’m going to rematch him.”

Check out Merab Dvalishvili’s comments below:

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Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts to Dana White's confirmation of Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Merab Dvalishvili fight

During the UFC 308 post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Umar Nurmagomedov will clash against Merab Dvalishvili for the title.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has been pushing for this title fight for so long that he appreciated Dana White's decision. He took to his Instagram story to share a clip of White's confirmation and wrote:

“If you don’t know, now you know @danawhite.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov's Instagram story reacting to Dana White's confirmation of Umar vs. Merab. [Image courtesy: @khabib_nurmagomedov on Instagram]