Khabib rules out fight for cousin and outlines the future of the bantamweight division in the UFC.

Khabib and Umar Nurmagomedov they are cousins. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Even though he has been retired from the octagon since 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov He remains a very important figure for many athletes, especially the Dagestan Clan. In this context, the former UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) spoke about the progress of the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg) and gave his opinion regarding upcoming fights, mainly based on potential opponents. Umar Nurmagomedov.

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According to Águia, it wouldn't make commercial sense to match his cousin with O'Malley. He believes a loss would eliminate any opportunity to exploit the loser's image effectively in the media. Both athletes were defeated by... Merab Dvalishvili.

“I think Merab needs his rematch in April or May. Umar and O'Malley should face different opponents. Whoever gets the most impressive win deserves the title shot. As a fight matchmaker, I wouldn't promote Umar vs. O'Malley yet. Why play all your cards at once? If they fight now, the UFC loses a star, no matter what,” Nurmagomedov opined.

🤔 Khabib explains why he wouldn't book Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Sean O'Malley right now:

"I think Merab needs to get his rematch in April or May. Umar and O'Malley should fight different opponents. Whoever gets the most impressive win earns the title shot.

As a matchmaker, I… pic.twitter.com/pOgyq41ERr

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) February 2, 2026

Khabib's cousin has never fought the current champion.

Makhachev, Khabib, Umar and Usman backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

The scenario suggested by the former fighter happened at UFC 324. On the preliminary card, Umar controlled Deiveson Figueiredo and emerged victorious by unanimous decision, just as O'Malley did against song yadong, in the co-main event. With the title being regained by Petr yanNew opportunities have arisen in the category. The American has one victory against the current champion, while the two Russians have never faced each other.