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- The Nurmagomedov brand value in MMA is superior to the Mayweather legacy in boxing.
- That's according to unbeaten Bellator MMA fighter Usman Nurmagomedov.
- Usman told Insider the comparison makes sense, but the Nurmagomedovs — as a collective — have done more.
The Nurmagomedov family legacy in mixed martial arts is superior to the Mayweather brand value in boxing, according to rising Bellator MMA star Usman Nurmagomedov, who is following in his famous cousin Khabib's footsteps as an unbeaten and dominant fighter.
"I believe we're even better than the Mayweathers," Usman told Insider through a translator earlier this month.
Despite Khabib's retirement from MMA, following his resounding victory over Justin Gaethje in 2020, Usman, Abubakar, and Umar continue to fly the Nurmagomedov family flag in a variety of combat sports promotions.
Conversely, Jeff, Roger, and Floyd Sr. all competed at a high level in boxing through the 1980s, but it was Floyd Jr. who brought the Mayweather name into his sport's Hall of Fame because of his status as one of the greats.
"We've got a better record and I believe the caliber of me and [my family members] is higher than the Mayweathers," Nurmagomedov said. "But I can see why you would compare us."
Usman returns to Bellator MMA on Friday against Chris Gonzalez
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Usman returns to competition Friday for a Bellator 283 lightweight bout against American athlete Chris Gonzalez.
"I wouldn't say my next opponent is the toughest of my career," Usman said with a cool and calmness that typified his cousin Khabib's run to the highest echelons at the UFC.
Unfazed about taking on the undefeated Gonzalez, he added: "For me, he's just another fight."
Should he triumph at the Emerald Queen Casino and Hotel in Tacoma, Washington, Usman will have a Bellator title shot in his crosshairs.
"I have huge goals," he told us. "I'm moving step-by-step, and focusing on my opponent to get my arm raised. But I want that title shot, to win the belt, and then defend the belt."
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Nurmagomedov's blend of high-level wrestling with Muay Thai mastery has seen him advance his undefeated pro MMA record to 14 wins (12 finishes).
He told us that Russian wrestling "is much better" than the American style because "Russian wrestlers are hungrier" and "have advantages over Americans in every aspect."
Regardless of whether Gonzalez fights on the ground, or on his feet, Usman said he'll be ready. But, if he had a preference, he'd rather engage in stand-up battles. "I like to strike," he said.
Nurmagomedov is one part of a new wave of talent making their names in Bellator MMA
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Usman represents one of the things Bellator has been getting right of late as the Los Angeles-based company targets promising talent it can harness into viable contenders and champions.
Bellator boss Scott Coker has a proven history of nurturing talent — from Dan Cormier and Ronda Rousey in his Strikeforce days — to new-gen American fighters like A.J. McKee and Aaron Pico.
Usman may well be one of those talents, too.
"I'm glad and happy to be part of this new wave in the Bellator MMA organization," he told Insider. "I'm proud."
But as for whether there'll be any other young Nurmagomedovs joining Bellator, or its rival MMA organizations like UFC or PFL MMA, Usman remained tight-lipped.
"Not for now," he told us. "But, in the near future … we'll see."
The Bellator 283 event will be broadcast Friday from 7.00 p.m. on Showtime Sports. The prelims are available on YouTube.
Douglas Lima and Jason Jackson compete in a welterweight main event.
Sidney Outlaw and Lorenz Larkin compete in separate bouts.
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