How would Usman Nurmagomedov do in UFC’s Lightweight Division?
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It is only a matter of time. The undefeated and supremely skilled Bellator lightweight champion, Usman Nurmagomedov, will eventually transition to the UFC, and join his brother Umar. But before then, Usman will defend his lightweight title against the young Irishman, Paul Hughes. This fight will be in the main event of the PFL Road to Dubai Championships Series on Jan. 25 in Dubai, UAE.
Before the undefeated champion out of Dagestan, Russia, can focus on the promotional side, he must face Ireland’s Hughes. It’s challenging as Nurmagomedov takes on a 27-year-old challenger riding an impressive seven-fight win streak.
Usman Nurmagomedov’s Dominance in Bellator
Usman, the youngest of the Nurmagomedov trio, has had a dominant run inside the Bellator cage. He has put up a record of 7-0, 1 NC. Usman made his debut on Bellator 255 back in April 2021. He fought his way to a clear, unanimous victory over Mike Hamel. From that point on, Usman achieved three impressive stoppage wins. He defeated Luis Muro, Patrik Pietila, and Christopher Gonzalez over a year.
Time For The Title
The Dagestani Prodigy reached an undefeated professional record of 15-0 by 24. He and Bellator felt it was time for him to challenge the lightweight champion, Patricky Pitbull. Nurmagomedov and Pitbull fought for the lightweight title in the co-main event of Bellator 288 on November 18, 2022. The highly talented challenger displayed versatility and a well-rounded skillset throughout five hard-fought rounds. Nurmagomedov overwhelmed the experienced champion. He delivered a variety of strikes from all levels. Usman also dominated the grappling exchanges with takedowns and control time. The judges awarded a clear unanimous decision victory to the challenger. His overall effort earned him 50-45, and 50-44 x2.
First Title Defense
Usman made his first title defense in March 2023. He took on the MMA legend and pioneer, Benson Henderson. The young and undefeated champion wasted no time in the cage. He perfectly landed a question mark kick on Henderson’s face within the first twenty seconds. This clean kick sent Henderson crashing to the canvas as the champion quickly secured control over the hurt challenger. Once on top of Henderson, Nurmagomedov began raining down the ground and pounding. Henderson struggled to fight for position while fending off the strikes of the champion. This continued for about a minute. Then Henderson worked his back to the cage. Nurmagomedov advanced his position for a fight-ending rear-naked choke.
The Suspension
Moving to a controversial point of the young lightweight champion’s unblemished career. Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defended his title against Brent Primus at Bellator 300 on October 7, 2023. Following this big win, news broke that he was suspended for 6 months by the California State of Athletic Commission. This came after he tested positive for a banned substance, according to CSAC Executive Officer Andy Foster. The champion was reportedly also fined $50,000 and began enrollment in VADA testing.
After serving his suspension, the champion returned to the cage. He defended his title against the quality challenger, Alexandr Shabliy, on September 7, 2024. Nurmagomedov once again proved his elite skillset as he nullified the grappling and striking of the Russian challenger. The versatile champion controlled the action in the center of the cage. He dictated the striking exchanges between the two high-level lightweights. The judges’ scorecards read a one-sided unanimous decision for Nurmagomedov, (50-45, 49-46 x2).
Where Would Usman Fall Amongst UFC Lightweights?
The UFC’s lightweight division is currently in a weird predicament regarding matchmaking. Current champion and pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev, sits at the top. He has wins over formidable opponents like Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, Dan Hooker, and Arman Tsarukyan. Makhachev just crossed another name off the top ten of UFC lightweights, recently defeating Renato Moicano via first-round d’arce choke. Over the past months, Makhachev has flirted with moving up to welterweight. He wants to challenge for the title… However, his friend and teammate, Belal Muhammad, is the sitting champion.
Usman Would Fit Right In
An elite young fighter with accolades like a Bellator lightweight title would be a perfect addition. He would significantly enhance the UFC’s roster. That is not to suggest that Usman and Islam would ever fight each other. They are close friends and teammates. The division has some stagnation in terms of matchmaking within the top fifteen. But a young champion with a sellable last name like Nurmagomedov would do wonders for the division.
The young Bellator lightweight champion is versatile and extremely well-rounded. He would be a legitimate match for anyone within the bottom half of the current rankings. Ranked lightweights like Mateusz Gamrot and Beneil Dariush would face challenges with Usman. Renato Moicano and Benoit Saint Denis would also find difficulties. Paddy Pimblett, Jalin Turner, and Joel Alvarez are no exceptions. The top half of the UFC’s lightweight division includes fighters like Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Charles Oliveira. Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and Dan Hooker would also cause issues for the Bellator lightweight champion. They would challenge him inside the cage because they all possess serious punching power, high-level experience, and toughness. After reviewing the current state of the UFC lightweight division, Usman Nurmagomedov hypothetically ranks around the top eight.
How do you think Usman would fare in the UFC lightweight division? Let us know in the comments section below.
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