Umar Nurmagomedov vows to set tone for Islam Makhachev

Umar Nurmagomedov is tasked with being the opener in a month of three main championship fights for his workforce.

Nurmagomedov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) is about to problem Merab Dvalishvili (18-4 MMA, 11-2 UFC) for the bantamweight title in Saturday’s UFC 311 co-main occasion at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. (ESPN+ pay-per-view, EPSNews, ESPN+), then within the very subsequent combat, his teammate Islam Makhachev will put his light-weight belt on the road towards Arman Tsarukyan.

It will likely be the primary time in UFC historical past when one teammate challenges for gold in a co-headliner, whereas one other teammate makes an attempt to defend in the primary occasion. To boost the stakes even additional, Nurmagomedov’s brother, Usman, will try to defend his Bellator light-weight strap vs. Paul Hughes at Highway to Dubai on Jan. 25, and informed MMA Junkie this week he’s “pressured” concerning the state of affairs.

Nurmagomedov shares comparable emotions, and he seemingly has essentially the most stress as the primary within the trio to step into the cage, and the one one who hasn’t tasted championship glory.

Along with taking the title from Dvalishvili, it’s a serious precedence for Nurmagomedov to do it as cleanly as doable. He desires to do his half to alleviate any nervousness for Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC), who will likely be strolling to the octagon towards Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) minutes after his bout concludes.

“It’s going to be a tough evening for our workforce,” Nurmagomedov informed MMA Junkie. “Two fights for the title very shut collectively. It’s going to be nervous. Islam goes to be nervous watching my combat, however I’ll combat good. I’ll attempt to not even miss one punch, to provide him good vitality.”

Though there may be an immense weight in kicking off this historic month for his workforce, which is headed by Nurmagomedov’s cousin Khabib and Javier Mendez, in a optimistic style, there may be additionally a bonus. Nurmagomedov will be capable to get his combat out of the way in which with out as many worries about managing his feelings.

Nonetheless, although, Nurmagomedov mentioned the importance of this stretch is entrance of thoughts for everybody, and he echoed his brother Usman’s feedback concerning the turbulent emotions that include it.

“It’s at all times (tougher watching them combat),” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “Whenever you’re preventing, you’ll be able to management all the things. And when another person is preventing – your brother, your shut associates – you’ll be able to simply give him recommendation. Preventing (your self is) straightforward, simpler. Any fighter will let you know.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 311.