Could a bad-blood clash of Russians be awaiting the UFC bantamweight division?
The legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov suggested as much while chatting with Russian channel Kanal Udar ahead of his cousin Umar’s return to motion at UFC 324.
Saturday’s debut UFC event on Paramount+ will include the 30-year-old’s featured prelim against former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. Each men are planning to advance their ambition of difficult the reigning king at 135 kilos, Petr Yan.
The champ is Umar’s fellow countryman, but Khabib implied that will not see any added friendliness should they be matched up.
The truth is, the all-time lightweight great hinted at a private feud between his cousin and ‘No Mercy’, saying they’ve a tense relationship and don’t like one another.
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Which UFC 324 star has a greater probability of dethroning Petr Yan in 2026? 🤔
Umar Nurmagomedov will fight Deiveson Figueiredo on Saturday’s prelims, before Sean O’Malley co-headlines against Song Yadong.
Umar Nurmagomedov says Petr Yan isn’t his ‘enemy’ after Khabib hinted at a feud
The No. 2-ranked bantamweight contender was asked to handle Khabib’s remarks during his UFC 324 media day interview on Wednesday.
Umar clarified what ‘The Eagle’ said, insisting that any negative feelings that he has toward Yan are the identical as with every fighter he’s expecting to share the Octagon with.
“It means we’re not friends. We’re not enemies, but we’re not friends (either),” Umar said regarding Khabib’s remarks.
“It’s gonna be an enormous fight for our country, two guys fighting for the title. Just that’s it.
“Taking a look at guys like my opponents within the cage. It’s a very powerful things. I don’t have problems with them outside the cage,” he added.
“One in every of the the explanation why we don’t like one another is because if we fight, we’re going to smash one another. If someone would retire, we won’t have issues to be in conflict. … No person will fight with friends.”
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Umar Nurmagomedov got honest about his title shot probabilities after UFC 324
Despite seeing his potential clash with Yan as an enormous one, Umar isn’t predicting it to occur anytime soon.
The 19-1 bantamweight contender doesn’t expect a second straight win since falling short in his first title fight to be enough to earn a shot at Yan.
Talking to TNT Sports ahead of UFC 324, Umar revealed he hopes O’Malley gets the fight over Dvalishvili, in an effort to arrange a rematch between the Dagestani and Georgian rivals.
“My prediction after this fight? They’ll not give me a fight for the title,” Nurmagomedov said. “I’m not expecting that.
“But I will probably be able to fight again. It doesn’t matter how repeatedly. I actually have to fight for the title in 2026. It’s the goal.
“Perhaps I’ll fight within the principal event in Abu Dhabi in the summertime with Yadong or with Sean O’Malley in the event that they make the fight (between) Petr Yan and Merab,” he added.
“If O’Malley fights for the title next, it’s gonna be even higher for me. I’m gonna do a rematch with Merab.”
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