Khabib Nurmagomedov Calls Out Umar Nurmagomedov Over English Skills and UFC Journey
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov publicly criticized his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov for not speaking English well, a moment that drew wide attention across mixed martial arts circles. Khabib shared a short video clip to his Instagram stories in which Umar attempted to answer questions from an English-speaking journalist. The elder Nurmagomedov commented with a blunt message: “Learn English now. I’m ashamed of myself.” The post underscored the pressure on fighters from Dagestan who rise to international stages while navigating the demands of media responsibilities and global audiences.
Umar Nurmagomedov signed a new contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship on September 14, 2022, reaffirming his ongoing presence in the sport’s premier organization. He most recently competed inside the UFC’s Russian footprint during a June 26, 2022 event held in Las Vegas, where he earned a unanimous decision victory over American opponent Nate Maness. That victory brought Umar to a professional MMA record of 16 wins and zero losses, highlighting a rapid ascent through the lightweight ranks and his potential to shape future matchups in the division.
By contrast, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s career in MMA is one of landmark dominance. Across 29 professional bouts, he climbed to the pinnacle with an undefeated record and captured the UFC lightweight title in spectacular fashion. His last bout, a victory over American challenger Justin Gaethje in the autumn of 2020, cemented his status as one of the sport’s most formidable champions. The win also set the stage for his historic choice to retire from competition at the peak of his powers, a decision he described as honoring a promise to his mother following his father’s passing in July 2020.
Following his retirement from active competition, Nurmagomedov shifted his focus toward shaping the sport beyond his own fighting days. He founded Eagle FC, a promotion aimed at giving fighters new opportunities and expanding the footprint of combat sports outside traditional American-centric markets. The move into leadership and promotion reflects a broader trend among legendary champions who seek to influence the sport’s development while mentoring the next generation of athletes.
Umar’s ongoing journey with UFC and the broader family legacy continues to draw attention from fans and analysts alike. As the sport grows globally, the Nurmagomedov name remains closely associated with a commitment to disciplined training, strategic preparation, and a cultural emphasis on respect and perseverance inside the cage. Observers note that language development and media savvy will be increasingly important for fighters who wish to connect with international audiences, secure endorsements, and navigate the evolving media landscape that accompanies modern mixed martial arts. In this context, Umar’s career trajectory—marked by rapid wins and continued exposure to high-profile bouts—will likely be a focal point for discussions about growth, adaptation, and the responsibilities that accompany fighting at the highest levels. These narratives are often highlighted by analysts and fans who view a fighter’s linguistic and presentation skills as part of their overall package as they step into the global arena. The broader MMA community remains curious about how Umar will leverage his platform in the UFC and whether his path will mirror or diverge from his cousin’s storied route through the sport. At the same time, Eagle FC’s development under Khabib’s leadership represents a parallel track in which former champions help to shape opportunities for upcoming talent while expanding the sport’s footprint across regions that are hungry for top-tier competition. The landscape of professional MMA continues to evolve as athletes, promoters, and media collaborate to deliver compelling narratives that attract diverse audiences and fuel the sport’s growth. These dynamics—competition, communication, and community—are at the heart of what makes mixed martial arts compelling in Canada, the United States, and beyond. This ongoing evolution remains a testament to the enduring appeal of fighters who combine skill with character, leaving a lasting impact on fans around the world.