Another fighter looks set to continue father’s plan as a part of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team.
The former UFC lightweight champion retired before his close friend and teammate, Islam Makhachevwent on to dominate at 155 pounds.
Makhachev may have moved up to welterweight but there’s already another fighter on their team that Nurmagomedov has helped become one of the best in the weight class.
In fact, ‘The Eagle’ believes that his cousin Usman is already on the level of his lightweight champion equivalent in the UFC.
Before Usman looks to remain undefeated, another fighter from the same team made quite the impression in his promotional debut.
How would PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov fare against UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria?
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Amru Nurmagomedov impresses in his PFL debut by advancing to 10-0
Usman Nurmagomedov’s next opponent has produced scathing comments about the undefeated champion and his team.
While his lightweight title defense in Dubai on February 7 is another big matchup for him, he’s not the only fighter for whom Khabib Nurmagomedov will be cornering.
In the final prelim at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday night, a highly-regarded prospect made his PFL debut and walked to the cage with ‘The Eagle’ by his side.
Amru Magomedov has already been a champion and defended his belt several times in UAE Warriors at 26 years old.
His debut in the PFL saw him stop Kolton England in just 37 seconds, with his performance being described as ‘phenomenal’ and ‘classic Khabib style’ by fans online.
‘If Khabib says future star, you might as well start learning the now,’ wrote one fan, with another commenting, ‘They always said this guy is the next big thing, he did not disappoint.’
Some even made bold comments about his current skill level, with one user claiming that Magomedov is ‘probably better than Usman’, while another said they’ve seen enough to know that he’s better than several UFC contenders, including Paddy Pimblett.
Amru Magomedov could end up having big shoes to fill
Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the most dominant forces the sport has ever seen, but some may argue that Islam Makhachev has exceeded his coach’s career.
There’s also been regular talk of whether we’ll see Usman Nurmagomedov sign to the UFC to continue the team’s remarkable success in the lightweight division.
Has Islam Makhachev’s UFC run surpassed Khabib Nurmagomedov’s?
Which do you rate higher? Undefeated or two-weight? Let us know in the comments.
With Amru Magomedov signing to the PFL, he could go on to take Usman’s spot at the top of the promotion’s 155 pound division if he does leave the promotion.
The level of both fighters suggests that it’s not unreasonable that Nurmagomedov’s team could end up holding lightweight belts in both the UFC and the PFL at the same time.
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