5 Things You Might Not Know About Usman Nurmagomedov

No one can question Usman Nurmagomedov’s legitimacy at this point, as his all-terrain dominance leaves little to the critics’ imagination.

The 26-year-old Russian will make his Professional Fighters League debut when he defends his Bellator MMA lightweight crown opposite surging Irish contender Paul Hughes in the PFL Champions Series 1 headliner on Saturday at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Nurmagomedov has compiled an 18-0 record with one no contest across his 19 career appearances. He last saw action at Bellator Champions Series 4, where he laid claim to a five-round unanimous decision over countryman Alexandr Shabliy on Sept. 7.

As Nurmagomedov moves ever closer to his high-stakes “Road to Dubai” showdown with Hughes, here are five things you might not know about him:

1. He has commonalities with Olympic royalty.

Nurmagomedov was born on April 17, 1998 in Kizilyurt, Russia—a Republic of Dagestan city of roughly 33,000 people situated more than 1,000 miles to the southeast of Moscow. He shares a hometown with Tagir Khaybulaev, who struck gold in judo at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

2. His formative years involved hands-on learning.

The 26-year-old Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov protege made his professional mixed martial arts debut at the age of 18 when he put away Imran Abdiev with an armbar in the first round of their encounter under the Moscow Pankration Federation banner. Nurmagomedov went on to stop his first five opponents.

3. Proven commodities form his brain trust.

Nurmagomedov splits his preparation time between Eagles MMA in his native Russia and the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California. The revered gyms offer him regular access to a variety of world class coaches and training partners, older brother Umar Nurmagomedov and reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev among them.

4. He has a track record of decisiveness.

All 18 of Nurmagomedov’s victories have resulted in finishes or unanimous decisions. He has secured 14 wins by knockout, technical knockout or submission, giving him a 78% finish rate.

5. He joined some exclusive company.

Nurmagomedov is one of seven men to hold the undisputed Bellator lightweight championship, along with Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler, Will Brooks, Brent Primus, Patricio Freire and Patricky Freire. His 799 days as champion ranks as the third-longest single reign in the history of the division.