Khabib Nurmagomedov could lose his 'Eagle' nickname to Umar Nurmagomedov after UFC 311

01/05/2025 11:35 AM

Khabib Nurmagomedov is on the cusp of losing his famous nickname, with his cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, keen to make it his own at UFC 311.

The bantamweight contender is one step away from writing his name into the mixed martial arts history books forever.

Khabib Nurmagomedov may have to let Umar Nurmagomedov be ‘The Eagle’

On January 18, inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, USA, Umar Nurmagomedov will attempt to make his wildest dreams come true when he challenges for the UFC 135-pound title.

However, claiming the belt won’t be easy, as in front of him, stands a talented champion, in the form of Merab Dvalishvili.

However, with his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, willing him on, the 29-year-old is feeling extremely confident he can claim the throne for himself.

With that in mind, he thinks that should he get his hand raised, then he ought to not only walk away with the belt, but also the nickname that his legendary relative has for so long called his own.

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In a video uploaded by Javier Mendez to Instagram, the warrior, exclaimed: “He’s The Eagle, right? He is my older brother (cousin), and if you look at it like that, I’m the younger brother and younger eagle. It means, not age, but new generation.

“We can’t both be eagles. He is ‘Old Eagle’. If I am just ‘Eagle’, he is Old Eagle. I become Eagle, but between us, people are going to call him Old Eagle.

“I think on January 18, I’m going to deserve this name — Eagle — no more ‘Young’.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov recalls brutal street brawl, where he had to take on two brothers to avenge his cousin

Khabib has played a very important role in Umar’s career, helping him hone the skills that have allowed him to rise to the top of the sport.

However, the former lightweight champion’s adoration for his family extends far beyond mixed martial arts.

Back in his youth, the gifted grappler witnessed his cousin lose a street fight, and desperately wanted to avenge the defeat.

With that in mind, he challenged the victor to a showdown. And what happened next will amaze you.

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