UFC bantamweight division facing bitter feud between Russians?
The UFC bantamweight division could be headed for a showdown between two Russians with some history.
Khabib Nurmagomedov hinted at the possibility while talking to Russian channel Kanal Udar ahead of his cousin Umar’s return at UFC 324.
Saturday’s card, which also marks the promotion’s debut on Paramount+, features Umar in a featured prelim against former flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo. Both fighters are hoping a win moves them closer to a shot at current champion Petr Yan.
Although Yan and Umar share the same nationality, Khabib made it clear that there would be no added respect if they ever met in the cage.
In fact, he went as far as suggesting there’s already tension between them, saying their relationship is far from friendly.
Umar Nurmagomedov says Petr Yan is not his ‘enemy’ after Khabib hinted at a feud
Umar Nurmagomedov was asked to respond to Khabib’s comments during his UFC 324 media day session on Wednesday.
He explained that it’s not a personal issue, but rather just part of how he approaches fights.
“It means we’re not friends. We’re not enemies, but we’re not friends (either),” Umar said regarding Khabib’s remarks.
“It’s gonna be a big fight for our country, two guys fighting for the title. Just that’s it.
“Looking at guys like my opponents in the cage. It’s the most important things. I don’t have problems with them outside the cage,” he added.
“One of the reasons why we don’t like each other is because if we fight, we’re going to smash each other. If someone would retire, we won’t have issues to be in conflict… Nobody will fight with friends.”
Umar Nurmagomedov addresses title shot timeline after UFC 324
While Umar sees a potential fight with Yan as significant, he’s not expecting it to come together in the immediate future.
The bantamweight contender doesn’t believe that back-to-back wins since his title defeat will be enough to land him a shot at Yan just yet.
“My prediction after this fight? They will not give me a fight for the title,” Nurmagomedov said. “I am not expecting that.
“But I will be ready to fight again. It doesn’t matter how many times. I have to fight for the title in 2026. It’s the goal.
“Maybe I will fight in the main event in Abu Dhabi in the summer with Yadong or with Sean O’Malley if they make the fight (between) Petr Yan and Merab,” he added.
“If O’Malley fights for the title next, it’s gonna be even better for me. I am gonna do a rematch with Merab.”
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