Khabib: Usman Nurmagomedov On the same level as Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan

Khabib Nurmagomedov believes his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, can hold his own against the best UFC lightweights. Usman became the Professional Fighters LeagueL’s first lightweight champion with a win over Paul Hughes last year. Although the UFC is considered the pinnacle of MMA success, Khabib believes Usman is on par with any UFC lightweight. Khabib admits he wouldn’t have said the same about Usman a year ago. However, after training and sparring with Usman for the past year, Khabib claims the PFL lightweight champion is on the same level as UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan.

Rapid improvement

“I have my own opinion on this, but it is not right to talk about the UFC as a PFL fighter. In one year, Usman has grown a lot,” Khabib told Team Gorilla Fighting. “I fight with him myself, I work personally. And from the outside he is at least on the same level as them [Ilia and Arman]. A year ago I would have said we still have to wait, but now he is already at that level. Time will tell.”Usman (20-0) was also the lightweight champion at Bellator, where he defeated the likes of Patricky Freire, Benson Henderson and Alexandr Shabliy. Usman also defended the PFL lightweight title in a rematch against Hughes last October. The undefeated Dagestani will now defend his title against Alfie Davis on PFL Road to Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Saturday.