The lightweight legend and matchmaking consultant shares his strategic vision for bantamweight’s brightest stars—and it is a lesson in long-term promotion constructing.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, considered one of MMA’s sharpest minds each inside and outdoors the octagon, has weighed in on considered one of the UFC’s most anticipated potential matchups, and his reasoning reveals why booking Umar Nurmagomedov versus Sean O’Malley prematurely could possibly be a catastrophic promotional blunder.
🤔 Khabib explains why he wouldn’t book Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Sean O’Malley without delay:
“I feel Merab must get his rematch in April or May. Umar and O’Malley should fight different opponents. Whoever gets the more impressive win earns the title shot.
As a matchmaker, I… pic.twitter.com/pOgyq41ERr
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) February 2, 2026
Speaking via Udar, Khabib broke down his philosophy with the precision of somebody who’s spent years observing how title fights are constructed. “I feel Merab must get his rematch in April or May,” he stated, referring to Merab Dvalishvili’s expected title opportunity against Ilia Topuria. This sets the timeline—the bantamweight division’s immediate future is locked with Dvalishvili’s redemption arc taking priority.
But here’s where Khabib’s strategic brilliance shines through: “Umar and O’Malley should fight different opponents. Whoever gets the more impressive win earns the title shot.”
This is not only casual commentary. That is calculated matchmaking wisdom. By keeping Nurmagomedov and O’Malley separated, the UFC maintains two independent paths to title contention, quite than having one eliminate the opposite prematurely. Each fighters proceed climbing the ladder concurrently, each racking up victories and constructing their respective cases for the championship fight everyone desires to see.
The kicker got here when Khabib articulated the basic principle underlying his matchmaking philosophy: “As a matchmaker, I would not make Umar vs. O’Malley yet. Why play all of your cards directly? In the event that they fight now, the UFC loses a star irrespective of what.”
There’s undeniable truth embedded on this statement. Whether Umar dominates or O’Malley pulls off a surprising upset, considered one of the division’s most marketable fighters takes a loss. In today’s competitive landscape, where star power translates on to PPV buys and sponsorship deals, sacrificing a rising prospect’s undefeated record or momentum feels shortsighted.
Khabib’s vision keeps each stars shining independently, accumulating impressive victories, constructing narrative momentum, and maximizing anticipation for after they eventually collide. It’s patient promotion, long-term brand constructing, and precisely the sort of considering that separates promotional genius from quick-fix booking.
The bantamweight division must be grateful someone of Khabib’s stature is considering this far ahead.