Khabib Nurmagomedov says the greatest test in Umar Nurmagomedov’s career is to come after the UFC bantamweight tasted defeat for the first time.
The first pay-per-view of 2025 was a mixed affair for Khabib and his team. While then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev submitted Renato Moicano at UFC 311, the co-main event saw Umar Nurmagomedov fall short of his division’s gold.
Merab Dvalishvili got the better of Umar across five rounds, marking the Georgian’s first successful defense of the 135-pound belt and further pushing his stock toward potential bantamweight GOAT contention.
Umar, meanwhile, has been left needing to rebound if he is to begin the journey to another shot. And to do so, Khabib says his cousin must push through his toughest challenge.
Khabib Nurmagomedov says how Umar rebounds will determine if he was ever meant to be a UFC champion
During a recent interview with Adam Zubayraev, Khabib insisted Jon Jones is past his prime, previewed Makhachev’s welterweight title shot, discussed the ongoing comeback offers he receives, and spoke on a number of other topics.
‘The Eagle’ cut a frustrated and passionate figure in Umar’s corner at UFC 311. But it seems he won’t be acting in the same way when it comes to pushing for his cousin to bounce back and reignite his hopes for a title crowning.
Instead, Khabib said the bantamweight contender must find his own way through this difficult period, and his ability to do so will determine whether or not champion status was ever on the cards for ‘The Young Eagle’.
“Of course, every fighter requires a different approach,” Khabib said of how he responded to Umar’s setback. “With Islam and Umar, I don’t have the same approach.
“Out of all of them (teammates), probably the closest to me is Umar. That’s why it was tough finding the right words. But I prefer that they get through those situations on their own. Of course, I’m always here to help, but it’s better for them in the long run.
“The harder it is to get through, the better it is in the end,” Khabib continued. “He’ll come out stronger, if he makes it through.
“If he doesn’t, then maybe he was never meant to be champion. It’s kind of like natural selection.”
What Umar Nurmagomedov must do to earn a Merab Dvalishvili rematch
Whether or not Umar can bounce back and prove his title ambitions are far from gone remains to be seen, but he could have a long road back to the gold unless it changes hands.
Dvalishvili will defend the title against Cory Sandhagen next. Before that was announced for UFC 320 in October, ‘The Machine’ addressed Nurmagomedov’s status following their five-round clash in LA.
“Umar has to fight one more,” Dvalishvili said at a UFC Baku Q&A. “Or maybe two more…
“Maybe three more. We’ll see.
“Whenever UFC will give him a title fight, I’m here,” Dvalishvili added.