19 Facts About Usman Nurmagomedov

Usman Magomednabiyevich Nurmagomedov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist.

Usman Nurmagomedov currently competes in the Lightweight division of Bellator MMA, where he is the current Bellator Lightweight Champion.

Usman Nurmagomedov was born on 17 April 1998 in the city of Kizilyurt, Republic of Dagestan, Russia.

Usman Nurmagomedov won his first professional fight via armbar in the first round.

Usman Nurmagomedov would continue fighting in various organizations such as the GFC and UAE Warriors, winning his next 10 fights.

Primarily using his significant reach advantage, Usman Nurmagomedov focused on throwing kicks and not letting Hamel get into range.

At times when Hamel did close the distance, Usman Nurmagomedov took the fight to the ground.

Usman Nurmagomedov's next fight was at Bellator 269 on October 23,2021, where he faced Patrik Pietila at a catchweight bout at 160 lbs.

Usman Nurmagomedov then faced Chris Gonzalez on July 22,2022, at Bellator 283.

Usman Nurmagomedov won the fight via Submission in the first round.

Usman Nurmagomedov faced Patricky Pitbull for the Bellator Lightweight World Championship at Bellator 288 on November 18,2022.

Usman Nurmagomedov defeated him in dominant fashion, winning the belt and the bout via unanimous decision.

On March 10,2023, Usman Nurmagomedov defended his title in the quarterfinal of the Grand Prix against former WEC and UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson at Bellator 292.

Usman Nurmagomedov won the fight quickly, dropping Henderson with a question-mark kick seconds into the fight, and then proceeding to take his back and win the fight with a rear-naked choke.

Usman Nurmagomedov originally won the fight by unanimous decision but that result was overturned by CSAC when Nurmagomedov tested positive for a prescription drug that contained a banned substance.

Usman Nurmagomedov was suspended for 6 months, however due to the accidental nature of the ingestion, he was not stripped of the title.

Usman Nurmagomedov was scheduled to face Alexandr Shabliy for the Bellator Lightweight World Championship on May 17,2024, at Bellator Champions Series 2.

However, Usman Nurmagomedov withdrew due to injury and the bout was scrapped.

Usman Nurmagomedov next defended his championship against former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion Paul Hughes on January 25,2025 in the main event of PFL: Road to Dubai - Champions Series.