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Usman Nurmagomedov is preparing to make history this Friday at Bellator 288 when he takes on Patricky 'Pitbull' Freire.
Bellator has never had a champion from Dagestan, but Nurmagomedov is hoping to change that on Friday night. At just 24 years old, the Dagestani fighter has a record of 15-0. Thirteen of those wins have come via a finish, with eight by KO and five by submission.
Usman Nurmagomedov is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and become an MMA world champion. Whilst speaking to MMA Junkie, the lightweight contender said:
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"We have two champions from Dagestan in the UFC - past and present. I want to be the first Bellator champion from Dagestan. Nobody will take this away from me."
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Nurmagomedov currently sits at No.1 in Bellator's lightweight rankings. He is a heavy -650 favorite heading into the bout. A new reign of Dagestani dominance could be upon us in both the Bellator and UFC lightweight divisions.
Usman Nurmagomedov on what winning the Bellator title would mean to him
Usman Nurmagomedov is preparing to take on Patricky 'Pitbull' Freire in the co-main event of Bellator 288. The lightweight title will be on the line, and Nurmagomedov hopes to become the first Bellator champion to hail from Dagestan.
Meanwhile, 'Pitbull' will hope to defend his title for the first time against the surging Dagestani after winning the belt against Peter Queally at Bellator 270.
Usman Nurmagomedov appeared in front of the media ahead of Bellator 288 on Friday and was asked what it would mean to him to win the 155lbs world title. He replied:
"I've earned every bit of this opportunity. I'm young and I'm hungry and I'm ready... My name will be written in the history books and saved forever. There was a time when nobody would sign fighter from the Caucasus. These promotions didn't know where Dagestan was... No matter what happens in the future, my name will be saved in the history books."
Watch the video below from 2:05:
Usman Nurmagomedov will hope to follow in the footsteps of his family and teammates and become an MMA world champion.
His cousin, Khabib, will be part of his corner team on Friday. The former UFC lightweight champion will hope to guide his cousin to the world title just like he did with his friend Islam Makhachev.
