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Next Dagestani In The UFC Lightweight Division?

MMA Reporter
UFC Lightweight Division

For more than a decade, the UFC lightweight division has been closely linked with one region, Dagestan.

What started with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s historic rise transformed the 155-pound division into what fans often refer to as the “Dagestani division.”

Ruthless grappling, suffocating top control, elite conditioning, and mental toughness became the standard.

Khabib ruled the lightweight division and retired as an undefeated champion.

After his exit, his close teammate Islam Makhachev took over, continued the dominance, and proved that Dagestani control over lightweight MMA was no coincidence.

Now, Islam has moved on. He captured gold at welterweight, leaving the lightweight division without a top-level Dagestani contender at least for the moment.

But if MMA history has taught us anything, it’s this: Dagestan is never empty.

Another name is already gaining attention, and many believe he could be the next fighter to carry that legacy inside the UFC octagon.

That name is Usman Nurmagomedov.

How Dagestan Took Over the Lightweight Division

Dagestan is not just producing fighters; it produces systems. The wrestling culture in the region is built from childhood.

Fighters grow up competing daily, training under harsh conditions, and learning discipline long before fame enters the picture.

Khabib Nurmagomedov became the face of this system. His undefeated run, combined with dominant title defenses, changed how fans and analysts viewed lightweight MMA.

The division was no longer about flashy knockouts alone. It became about control, pressure, and mental breaking points.

When Khabib retired, many believed the dominance would end. Instead, Islam Makhachev stepped in seamlessly.

He refined the style, added sharper striking, and proved that Dagestani fighters could evolve while still controlling fights on the ground.

Now that Islam has moved up to welterweight, fans are asking the same question again:

Who is next?

The Current Problem: No Dagestani Star at Lightweight

As of now, the UFC lightweight rankings are stacked with elite talent, but there is no clear Dagestani fighter positioned at the top. This is unusual, considering how the division has looked over the past few years.

Islam’s move left a gap. The lightweight belt is no longer held by a Dagestani fighter, and the division has become wide open again.

While contenders from different regions are fighting for position, the Dagestani pipeline appears temporarily paused, but not broken.

Behind the scenes, one fighter has been quietly building an undefeated record and gaining championship experience outside the UFC.

Meet Usman Nurmagomedov

Usman Nurmagomedov is not a newcomer to high-level MMA. He is a professional lightweight fighter from Dagestan, training under the same system that produced Khabib and Islam.

He is also Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin, which naturally brings attention, but Usman has earned his respect through performance, not just family ties.

Usman currently competes in the PFL (Professional Fighters League), where he has already achieved something many fighters never do: become a champion while remaining undefeated.

Usman Nurmagomedov’s Record

An undefeated record at this level is not accidental. It reflects consistency, discipline, and adaptability, the same traits that defined Khabib and Islam during their rise.

Fighting Style: Why Usman Fits the UFC Lightweight Division

Usman Nurmagomedov’s fighting style follows the Dagestani blueprint, but it is not limited to wrestling alone.

Wrestling and Grappling

Usman’s base is elite wrestling. He excels at:

Opponents struggle to get back to their feet once he establishes control. His ability to stay heavy and patient is similar to what fans saw from Khabib early in his UFC run.

Striking Improvements

Unlike many pure grapplers, Usman is comfortable on the feet. He uses striking smartly to:

This balance is important for modern UFC lightweights, where well-rounded skills are essential.

Fight IQ and Discipline

Perhaps the most underrated part of Usman’s game is his decision-making. He rarely rushes.

He fights with structure, follows game plans, and avoids unnecessary risks, a mindset strongly influenced by Khabib’s leadership and coaching presence.

Training With Khabib and Islam Makhachev

Usman Nurmagomedov doesn’t train in isolation. He is part of the same elite training circle that includes:

Training daily with champions sharpens timing, conditioning, and mental toughness. This environment pushes fighters to improve constantly because there is no easy round in the gym.

Khabib has publicly spoken about the importance of patience and preparation, and Usman appears to be following that path closely.

PFL Experience: Why It Matters

Some fans underestimate fighters who come from promotions outside the UFC. That is a mistake.

PFL offers:

Usman has already proven he can handle that pressure.

He has gone through long camps, fought top contenders, and performed when titles were on the line. That experience will translate well to the UFC’s spotlight.

Contract Situation: When Will Usman Enter the UFC?

According to reports, Usman Nurmagomedov has two fights remaining on his PFL contract.

After completing those obligations, the expectation is that he will transition to the UFC lightweight division.

This timeline gives him:

When he does arrive, he will not be an unknown prospect. He will enter with hype, an undefeated record, and a famous last name, but also with the skills to back it up.

How Usman Fits Into the UFC Lightweight Picture

The UFC lightweight division is currently one of the most competitive in the sport. When Usman arrives, he will likely be matched carefully at first, but his style suggests he could rise quickly.

Key advantages:

If handled correctly, Usman could move from prospect to contender in a short period of time.

Pressure of the Nurmagomedov Name

Being related to Khabib is both a blessing and a challenge. Expectations will be high. Fans will compare every performance, every takedown, and every title run.

However, Usman has already shown that he is comfortable carrying that pressure. His calm approach inside the cage suggests he understands one thing clearly: legacy is built fight by fight.

Is Usman Nurmagomedov the Next Dagestani Star?

While nothing is guaranteed in MMA, all signs point toward Usman Nurmagomedov being the next major Dagestani presence in the UFC lightweight division.

Dagestan’s influence on lightweight MMA may have paused briefly, but it is far from finished.

Final Thoughts

The lightweight division has been shaped by Dagestani fighters for years. From Khabib’s dominance to Islam’s evolution, the standard has been set high.

With Islam now focusing on welterweight, the door is open once again.

Usman Nurmagomedov appears ready to walk through that door.

If his transition to the UFC goes as expected, fans may soon be talking about the return of Dagestani control at lightweight and the rise of another Nurmagomedov at the highest level of MMA.

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