Nurmagomedov MMA Legacy Awesome to Mayweather in Boxing, Usman Says

• The Nurmagomedov emblem worth in MMA is awesome to the Mayweather legacy in boxing.
• That is in step with unbeaten Bellator MMA fighter Usman Nurmagomedov.
• Usman instructed Insider the comparability is sensible, however the Nurmagomedovs — as a collective — have achieved extra.

The Nurmagomedov circle of relatives legacy in blended martial arts is awesome to the Mayweather emblem worth in boxing, in step with emerging Bellator MMA celebrity Usman Nurmagomedov, who’s following in his well-known cousin Khabib’s footsteps as an unbeaten and dominant fighter.

“I consider we are even higher than the Mayweathers,” Usman instructed Insider via a translator previous this month.

Regardless of Khabib’s retirement from MMA, following his resounding victory over Justin Gaethje in 2020, Usman, Abubakar, and Umar proceed to fly the Nurmagomedov circle of relatives flag in a number of struggle sports activities promotions.

Conversely, Jeff, Roger, and Floyd Sr. all competed at a excessive point in boxing during the Nineteen Eighties, nevertheless it was once Floyd Jr. who introduced the Mayweather title into his game’s Corridor of Reputation as a result of his standing as one of the crucial greats.

“We have were given a greater file and I consider the caliber of me and [my family members] is upper than the Mayweathers,” Nurmagomedov stated. “However I will be able to see why you may examine us.”

Usman returns to Bellator MMA on Friday in opposition to Chris Gonzalez

Usman returns to pageant Friday for a Bellator 283 light-weight bout in opposition to American athlete Chris Gonzalez.

“I would not say my subsequent opponent is the hardest of my profession,” Usman stated with a fab and tranquility that typified his cousin Khabib’s run to the very best echelons on the UFC.

Unfazed about taking at the undefeated Gonzalez, he added: “For me, he is simply any other battle.”

Will have to he triumph on the Emerald Queen On line casino and Resort in Tacoma, Washington, Usman can have a Bellator identify shot in his crosshairs.

“I’ve massive targets,” he instructed us. “I am transferring step by step, and specializing in my opponent to get my arm raised. However I would like that identify shot, to win the belt, after which protect the belt.”

Nurmagomedov’s mix of high-level wrestling with Muay Thai mastery has observed him advance his undefeated professional MMA file to fourteen wins (12 finishes).

He instructed us that Russian wrestling “is far better” than the American taste as a result of “Russian wrestlers are hungrier” and “have benefits over American citizens in each side.”

Irrespective of whether or not Gonzalez fights at the flooring, or on his ft, Usman stated he’s going to be able. However, if he had a choice, he’d somewhat have interaction in stand-up battles. “I love to strike,” he stated.

Nurmagomedov is one a part of a brand new wave of skill making their names in Bellator MMA

Usman represents one of the crucial issues Bellator has been getting proper of overdue because the Los Angeles-based corporate goals promising skill it may possibly harness into viable contenders and champions.

Bellator boss Scott Coker has a confirmed historical past of nurturing skill — from Dan Cormier and Ronda Rousey in his Strikeforce days — to new-gen American warring parties like A.J. McKee and Aaron Pico.

Usman might be a type of abilities, too.

“I am satisfied and glad to be a part of this new wave within the Bellator MMA group,” he instructed Insider. “I am proud.”

However as for whether or not there will be some other younger Nurmagomedovs becoming a member of Bellator, or its rival MMA organizations like UFC or PFL MMA, Usman remained tight-lipped.

“Now not for now,” he instructed us. “However, within the close to long term … we’re going to see.”

The Bellator 283 match can be broadcast Friday from 7.00 p.m. on Showtime Sports activities. The prelims are to be had on YouTube.

Douglas Lima and Jason Jackson compete in a welterweight primary match.

Sidney Outlaw and Lorenz Larkin compete in separate bouts.