'This guy can be UFC champion'… Islam Makhachev on Usman Nurmagomedov's ceiling ahead of Bellator-PFL return
08/12/2024 09:03 AM
Ahead of Usman Nurmagomedov's return to action next month, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev teases that it'll only be a matter of time before the 17-0 Russian finds his way to the promotion where he himself reigns supreme.
Whilst we've not seen the undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov since his title win over Brent Primus back in October 2023, albeit later overturned to a No Contest following a positive drugs test, the 17-0 wrecking ball is set to make his long-awaited return to the cage on September 7.
Islam Makhachev waxes lyrical about Usman's potential, reveals 'one problem'
That September 7 event will be the latest installment of the PFL-presented Bellator Champions Series, with the undefeated Nurmagomedov set to headline against surging contender Alexander Shabliy.
The 26-year-old Nurmagomedov captured the Bellator lightweight title in late 2022 and should everything go to plan, i.e., defeating the tough Shabliy in San Diego, the global MMA conversation will quickly turn to what's next for the undefeated champion.
Well, according to friend and teammate Islam Makhachev, via HOSHEH MMA, once Usman gets through the rest of the Bellator-PFL roster, he'll next set his target on the UFC.
"Honestly, Usman has good potential you know, because he grew up with us [and] he did a lot of rounds with Khabib, now he's my sparring partner – when he was young, we give him always a hard time in the cage, that's why this guy is ready for everything [now].
"He can fight with anybody, and I think when he finishes all his job in Bellator-PFL, he can come to the UFC, and this guy can be UFC champion."
Yet Makhachev couldn't help but smile as he noted that Usman Nurmagomedov has just "one problem" that he'd need to address before making such a move
"But one thing he have to [be] training, you know we have one problem [that] always someone have to control him.
"Control his discipline, control his schedule because this guy is too young – but he has older brothers, Khabib always controls [everything for] him."
Whilst Makhachev believes that it's only a matter of time before Usman joins brother Umar Nurmagomedov in the UFC octagon, he also noted that there's a whole host of potential lightweight champions in the their training room.
"In our gym, I have like seven or eight lightweight fighters who are really good, I spar with them all the time and we help each other always. I know the guys who we have, they have a good future… Iron sharpens iron."
Daniel Cormier believes Usman could be the best Nurmagomedov
Makhachev isn't the only UFC legend who expects the young Nurmagomedov to one day take over the promotion's most iconic division, with Daniel Cormier stating that Usman could even end up being the best fighter out of the entire Nurmagomedov dynasty.
Following brother Umar Nurmagomedov's victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi, the former double champion would acknowledge the sheer scale of the teams' achievements across not only multiple weight divisions, but entire promotions.
"Isn't it crazy to watch the success that these guys have had? Not only just Khabib but to have Umar and Usman… Usman might be the best out of all of them. This dude is amazing in terms of fighting. He fights in Bellator, now the PFL."
Chael Sonnen also added on the success of the team: "The first family of fighting is the Gracie family, but the Nurmagomedov's are coming for the title."
Usman Nurmagomedov vs Alexander Shabliy is the main event of Bellator Champions Series: San Diego, scheduled for September 7 from the Pechanga Arena.
