Umar Nurmagomedov Explains Khabib’s Remarks on Petr Yan

Umar Nurmagomedov recently addressed comments made by his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, regarding his relationship with UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan. Speaking at the UFC 324 media day in Las Vegas, Umar confirmed Khabib’s thoughts about the tension between him and Yan.

Khabib’s Remarks on Petr Yan

Khabib, during an interview with Russian outlet Kanal Udar, suggested that there is animosity between Umar and Petr Yan. Umar explained that while they are not friends, they are also not adversaries. He emphasized that their rivalry is typical of competitive fighters. “It’s going to be a big fight for our country,” he stated, highlighting the importance of their potential matchup.

Umar’s Perspective on Fighting

• Umar stated, “We’re not friends, but we’re not enemies.”
• He believes all fighters share a similar mindset regarding friendships and competition.
• “If we fight, we’re going to smash each other,” he noted, indicating the fierce nature of the sport.

Although eager to challenge for the title, Umar is in no rush. He anticipates that he may need to win another fight before receiving a title shot, even if he emerges victorious against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324. “I don’t feel Sean O’Malley is even going to be next,” he remarked, suggesting other potential challenges await him.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Umar is targeting a fight in October in Abu Dhabi, should he succeed against Figueiredo. “I can fight the main event for five rounds,” he said, indicating his readiness for high-stakes bouts. He also expressed enthusiasm for a possible title match against Sean O’Malley, noting it would be a significant fight.

As UFC 324 approaches, the anticipation builds for Umar Nurmagomedov’s performance and his potential path toward a title shot. His comments embody the competitive spirit inherent in mixed martial arts and the dynamics of rivalry within the sport.