The yr was 2016 and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was holding a coaching session in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan.
Khabib Nurmagomedov was nonetheless two years away from successful gold, however the traction was beginning to construct. One thing particular was being crafted. The talent stage within the Russian coaching room was elevated barely every day, below Abdulmanap’s course.
In that room stood a latest UFC debutant, Islam Makhachev, contemporary off a bounce-back win over Chris Wade. Quickly-to-be skilled debutants, brothers Usman and Umar Nurmagomedov additionally had been among the many pack.
There additionally was a 17-year-old, Amru Magomedov, a household good friend of the Nurmagomedovs since childhood.
The teachings Magomedov realized as one of many youthful guys in a room filled with future legends and notables laid the inspiration for what would ultimately construct into one of many world’s most promising prospects. Magomedov without end owes quite a bit to Abdulmanap and the teachings that proceed to be handed down by way of struggle generations.
“I’ve all the perfect recollections working with Abdulmanap, coaching with him,” Magomedov instructed MMA Junkie, of his coach and mentor, who died in 2020. “I spent 4 years with him. Clearly, he was caring for all the fellows. He would come wake us up within the morning, ensuring all people is coaching within the morning and within the night. He was all about self-discipline. He mentioned, ‘It’s crucial you guys be disciplined. You must observe the regiment and all the things goes to be nice. Ensure you fall asleep on time.’ So yeah, he positively was the one who began this entire factor and I’m grateful to know him.”
Over the following eight years, Magomedov traveled the world, aiding his coaching companions throughout huge championship struggle weeks. He noticed Khabib and Makhachev win UFC gold, Usman win Bellator gold, and Umar set up himself as a prime UFC contender.
All of the whereas, Magomedov absorbed information and expertise. The reps benefited his personal talents, which he’s confirmed seven occasions as an expert. In October, he clinched UAE Warriors light-weight gold and moved to 7-0 when he shortly submitted Jakhongir Jumaev.
Magomedov has by no means felt pressured, regardless of the predictions and expectations by these round him that he’ll be subsequent to make an impression on the worldwide stage. The legends and stars are simply mates at work. He plans to do his job the identical means they did.
“Properly, it’s not as a lot stress since I’ve identified them for some time now,” Magomedov mentioned. “I get motivation from them. They encourage me. I all the time tried since I began coaching to develop into champion. I need to be No. 1 and these guys are already on the prime of their profession, Khabib, Islam Makhachev, Umar, Usman. They’re all pushing me ahead and I all the time attempt to be the perfect. In order that they’re very inspirational to me. Clearly, we’ve loads of different guys in our health club which are on the identical stage and which are up and coming.”
Magomedov, 25, headlines UAE Warriors 51 on Friday in Abu Dhabi as he seems to be for his first title protection towards Ali Kabdulla (9-2-1). He enters the struggle with 5 finishes in seven appearances. His most up-to-date two victories came to visit opponents with a mixed 17-3 report.
If he wins, Magomedov hopes the UFC comes calling.
“I don’t need to take into account every other leagues as of now,” Magomedov mentioned. “I feel if I put a spectacular struggle and end early on this Friday, then I may need a superb probability of moving into the UFC subsequent.”
Now below the steering of Khabib, Magomedov takes his profession one step at a time. However given the deeply-engrained mindset instilled in him practically a decade in the past by Abdulmanap, the aspirations and motivations are nothing in need of championship.
“I feel just about any fighter after they begin their profession have a aim and attempt to get into the UFC,” Magomedov mentioned. “Up to now the way in which it’s going, I feel that’s the place I’m going to be headed. I don’t simply need to be one other fighter within the UFC. Clearly, I need to develop into champion someday.”
This interview was carried out with the help of a Russian-language interpreter.
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