Many MMA fans have wondered if Said Nurmagomedov, a rising star in the UFC bantamweight division, is related to Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former undefeated lightweight champion and one of the greatest fighters of all time. The two share the same surname and come from the same region of Dagestan, Russia. But are they brothers, cousins, or just friends?
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The answer: They are cousins
According to several sources, including Distractify and EssentiallySports, Said Nurmagomedov and Khabib Nurmagomedov are indeed cousins and part of a famous MMA family. They both trained under Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who was a renowned coach and mentor for many Dagestani fighters. Abdulmanap passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19.
Said and Khabib are not the only Nurmagomedovs in MMA. They have other cousins and brothers who are also professional fighters, such as Abubakar Nurmagomedov, who fights in the UFC welterweight division, and Usman Nurmagomedov, who recently signed with Bellator MMA and is considered a promising prospect.
The confusion: They are not brothers or friends
Despite their familial ties, Said and Khabib are often mistaken for being brothers or just friends. This is partly because they have different looks and fighting styles. Said is more of a striker and a Muay Thai specialist, while Khabib is known for his dominant wrestling and grappling skills.
Another reason for the confusion is that they have both denied being related in the past. According to Vimbuzz, Khabib said in a 2018 interview with RT Sport that Said was not his cousin but a very good friend and an amazing fighter. Said also said in an interview that he gets asked frequently if he is related to Khabib, but it does not bother him.
However, these statements may have been made to avoid drawing too much attention to their relationship or to respect their privacy. It is clear from their social media posts and interactions that they are close and supportive of each other.
The conclusion: They are part of an MMA dynasty
Said Nurmagomedov and Khabib Nurmagomedov are cousins who share a passion for MMA and a legacy of excellence. They both represent their homeland of Dagestan with pride and honor. They are not brothers or just friends, but they are part of an MMA dynasty that has produced some of the best fighters in the world.
