Umar Nurmagomedov: Khabib’s Corner Presence Puts Added Pressure on Opponents

Umar Nurmagomedov believes having Khabib Nurmagomedov in the corner is a bonus advantage. 

According to Umar, his cousin’s presence is mental warfare on his opponents by itself. Throughout his career, Umar has seen his opponents feeling the pressure of Khabib being in his corner.

It’s In the Eyes

“Khabib’s influence puts more pressure on your opponents,” Umar ssaid in a recent interview with mr.kingsman (via Red Corner MMA). “I felt that throughout my career. I always saw it in my opponents’ eyes. That pressure when Khabib is there with our team. It’s like a bonus advantage.”

Khabib is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. “The Eagle” defended the UFC lightweight title thrice before retiring as the undefeated champion in 2020, following the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Khabib’s teammates, Umar, Usman Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev and others were all originally honed by Abdulmanap. Khabib has taken leadership of the team following his retirement alongside American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez. 

Nurmagomedov suffered his lone professional loss in a failed bantamweight title bid against Merab Dvalishvili last year. Nurmagomedov has since rebounded with wins over Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo. Khabib wants Umar (20-1) fight either Dvalishvili or Sean O’Malley next to secure a title shot against the new champion, Petr Yan.  

This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com

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