Usman Nurmagomedov is aware of there’s lots driving for his crew over the subsequent two weeks.
All of it begins on Saturday evening when Islam Makhachev defends his light-weight title in opposition to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311, and Usman’s older brother Umar Nurmagomedov makes an attempt to turn out to be bantamweight champion when he faces Merab Dvalishvili on the identical evening. Teammate Tagir Ulanbekov can also be competing at UFC 311 in a struggle of his personal in opposition to Clayton Carpenter.
Simply seven days later, Nurmagomedov then defends his Bellator light-weight title in opposition to Paul Hughes in Dubai, however he’s assured that his crew could have loads of momentum already constructed up after going 3-0 within the UFC.
“I consider all these guys, Inshallah, will win on Jan. 18,” Nurmagomedov instructed MMA Combating. “it’s going to be an exquisite evening for our crew.”
Nurmagomedov truly needed to separate from the remainder of his crew to journey to Dubai so he might acclimate to the time and local weather distinction earlier than he defends his belt on Jan. 25. He’s stayed in fixed contact together with his coaches, which incorporates his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is predicted to fly from UFC 311 in Los Angeles to Dubai so he might be there for the PFL card the next week.
It’s not an excellent scenario however Nurmagomedov guarantees none of it has bothered him.
“It’s not stress for me or as a result of I’m not with my crew, it’s not stress for me,” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “I’m on-line, we’ve telephones, now we will discuss actual time. It’s all good. Not an issue.”
In terms of the 2 title fights at UFC 311, Nurmagomedov has clearly spent lots of time on the mats coaching alongside Makhachev contemplating they each compete at 155 kilos.
He has no doubts about Makhachev profitable however Nurmagomedov believes the reigning UFC light-weight champion may even shock a couple of individuals together with his efficiency in a rematch in opposition to Tsarukyan.
Of their first encounter, Tsarukyan gave Makhachev a a lot more durable struggle than most anticipated, particularly contemplating he took the matchup on quick discover and he was making his UFC debut. Now Tsarukyan has clearly outlined himself because the No. 1 contender within the division, which incorporates notable wins over previous opponents comparable to Charles Oliviera and Beneil Dariush.
As spectacular as Tsarukyan has been to earn his title shot, Nurmagomedov doesn’t see him actually providing up something that Makhachev hasn’t already handled earlier than.
“My opinion, Islam can end Arman Tsarukyan this time,” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “As a result of I do know what occurred with Islam in his first struggle with Tsarukyan. I see how I can beat Arman, I see his errors. However Islam is healthier than me, and my opinion, he’ll end him.”
He provides an identical prediction for his brother Umar to beat Dvalishvili and turn out to be UFC champion for the primary time in his profession.
“About Umar and Merab, Umar goes to complete him in second or third spherical,” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “Umar goes to complete him. That is for positive as a result of I do know Umar’s abilities and I consider it.”
Nurmagomedov is perhaps setting lofty expectations for his teammates however he’s confidence each can get the job performed inside the gap.
In actual fact, Nurmagomedov is placing the identical stress on himself after going to choice in three of his previous 4 fights.
“Similar factor what I do at all times,” Nurmagomedov mentioned about his technique. “If I’ll perceive I can beat him with putting, I’ll beat him with putting. If I perceive I can end this man [taking him down], I’ll take him down and end him there.
“This time I’ll attempt to end my opponent as a result of I’m drained. I did 75 minutes within the cage within the final three fights. I’m drained. I don’t wish to keep there nearly a half hour. This time it’s going to be shorter.”
