Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin shares Abdulmanap’s prediction about Jon Jones while explaining the difference in their coaching styles 

Khabib Nurmagomedov's late father, Abdulmanap, is one of MMA's most legendary and respected coaches. He guided numerous fighters to the highest level of the sport, including both 'The Eagle' and Islam Makhachev, but succumbed to COVID-19 related complications in July 2020.

Abdulmanap's unfortunate passing saw Khabib announce his retirement after he submitted Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020. Since then, the former lightweight champion has taken up a role as an MMA coach.

'The Eagle' has been part of Makhachev's corner team on several occasions. Having had a successful start to his coaching journey, comparisons between the 36-year-old and his father have arisen.

Cousin of Nurmagomedov's, Usman, is preparing to defend his Bellator MMA lightweight title against Paul Hughes on Jan. 25. Ahead of the bout, he was interviewed by MMA journalist Brian Campbell.

Campbell asked Usman to share the differences in coaching styles between the former UFC champion and his father. He responded by saying:

"Uncle Abdulmanap, he was so smart. Khabib is smart too, he's really smart. He has everything that his father had, but not everything. The small things, he doesn't have."

He continued:

"Uncle Abdulmanap, when he said something, even for example about Jon Jones. He said [Jones] can beat all the top five heavyweights [in the UFC]. Now, Jon Jones is the champion at heavyweight. [Abdulmanap] said this in 2016, and in 2025 we have Jon Jones as the heavyweight champion in the UFC."

Check out Usman's comments on Khabib Nurmagomedov as a coach compared to his father below (10:25):

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Khabib Nurmagomedov says cousin Usman can become a top 5 all-time great in MMA

Khabib Nurmagomedov is regarded by many as the best lightweight in MMA history, and some fans and pundits would place him in the top five best fighters of all-time.

But 'The Eagle' believes that his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, could become even greater than himself.

The 26-year-old currently holds the Bellator MMA lightweight title, and is undefeated with a record of 18-0-1 (1 No Contest). During a recent interview with the Professional Fighters' League (PFL), the former UFC lightweight champion discussed his cousin's potential. 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."

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments below: