Next UFC Event: Khabib Predicts Title Shot for Umar Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov believes his protégé, Umar Nurmagomedov, is just one victory away from challenging for UFC gold. Following a dominant performance over Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324 this past Saturday, Umar (20-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) is firmly back on the title radar. This win marked his second consecutive victory since a narrow defeat to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 in January 2025.
UFC 324 also saw Sean O’Malley (19-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) return to the win column with a victory against Song Yadong. Khabib, ever the strategist, has outlined two potential paths for Umar, contingent on the next title defense of current UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan.
Speaking to MMA Arena (via Red Corner MMA), Khabib explained: “It was very important for us to become this top four: O’Malley, Merab, Yan, and Umar. It was very important to make it clear there are only four guys on top right now and the UFC knows this. If Yan is going to fight against Merab, Umar will fight against Sean O’Malley. If they choose O’Malley, Umar is going to fight Merab.”
A Team on the Rise
Khabib is rapidly building a formidable team in mixed martial arts. Islam Makhachev currently reigns as the UFC welterweight champion, while Usman Nurmagomedov holds the PFL lightweight title. Khabib envisions even more championship success for his team in 2026.
“Numbers talk, belts talk, and rankings speak for themselves,” Nurmagomedov stated confidently. “I don’t have to change somebody’s mind. If they like our team, they like it. If they don’t, who cares? That’s why we love this sport. There is competition, there are a lot of different fighters and teams, they can choose whatever they want, but we’re here to take everything.”
The next UFC event promises to be crucial for the bantamweight division, and all eyes will be on Umar Nurmagomedov as he continues his ascent towards a potential title showdown. Fans are eagerly anticipating the UFC’s next move and the confirmation of Umar’s next opponent. For more information on upcoming UFC events, visit the official UFC website.
