Controversial businessman surprises by preventing Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin from fighting for the belt; find out why.

Umar Nurmagomedov He is Khabib's cousin. Photo: Reproduction Instagram/umar_nurmagomedov

After recovering from the setback to Merab Dvalishvili and get back on the winning track against mario bautista, Umar Nurmagomedov is one of the main candidates to win the number one challenger spot with the winner of the match between the Georgian and Petr yan, at the last numbered event of 2025. However, apparently the Dagestan Clan has no interest in rushing the fighter for another title shot.

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In conversation with the former fighter Josh thomson No. Espaitec's 'Weighing In', Ali Abdelaziz, the Russian's manager, said he believes Nurmagomedov needs more time to prepare for another duel with the Georgian, also citing the champion's high frequency of training and how that could influence the rematch.

“If the UFC tells me that Umar will fight Merab next, I won’t say no, but I think it would be better for Umar if he had one more fight. I would like him to have another five-round fight. Let Merab rest. Merab fights a lot, I don’t know if he will recover,” stated the manager, adding that he and Khabib himself suggested fights against [Omár]. Aiemann Zahabi ou Deiveson Figueiredo.

Ali Abdelaziz wants Umar Nurmagomedov to face a fully recovered Merab Dvalishvili

“If the UFC tells me Umar is fighting Merab next, I'm not gonna say no, but I think it benefits Umar if he fights one more fight. I'd like him to fight one more five-round fight. Let Merab rest.… pic.twitter.com/otgsDKrFJs

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 13, 2025

After months of inactivity, Nurmagomedov broke Bautista's streak of eight consecutive victories in... UFC 321 In a very exciting duel. Among the names mentioned by Abdelaziz, Zahabi comes from seven consecutive victories, while the God of War surpassed... Montel Jackson at UFC Rio.

Khabib's cousin lost his undefeated record to Merab.

Merab Dvalishvili derrotou Umar Nurmagomedov No. UFC 311 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

Elder brother of Usman NurmagomedovUmar is one of the leading active names in the Dagestan Clan. He had the opportunity to reach the top of the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg) when he competed against... Merab Dvalishvili earlier this year, in UFC 311However, the Russian lost his undefeated professional record when he was defeated by unanimous decision after five rounds. In addition, he also fractured his right hand and had to undergo surgery, only returning against Bautista.