Umar Nurmagomedov ready for top-15 opponent after UFC on ESPN 38 win
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LAS VEGAS – Umar Nurmagomedov thinks he’s ready to size up ranked opposition in the UFC.
Nurmagomedov (15-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC), a UFC bantamweight prospect and cousin of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, kept his undefeated record intact Saturday at UFC on ESPN 38. The 26-year-old defeated Nate Maness in a dominant unanimous decision win with 30–27, 30–26 and 30–25 scores.
Nurmagomedov thinks he can fare well against the top tier of the UFC’s 135-pound division following his latest win.
“If they give me (a top-15 opponent), I’m ready, but I don’t want to say someone’s name,” Nurmagomedov told reporters at the UFC on ESPN 38 post-fight news conference. “(I’m going) step by step. I think I’m close to beating somebody in the top 10, top five and then fighting for the belt. Slowly, slowly I’m improving everywhere, and it’s going to be great.”
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Despite thinking he’s ready to take on ranked challengers, Nurmagomedov is not keen on calling anyone out. He’s also not trying to rush his career, but does see himself with a UFC belt around his waist in the future.
“I don’t care if they give me a quick road or if they give me slowly, I’m ready,” Nurmagomedov said. “For me, it’s important to win every fight and one day it’s going to happen. I’ll become champion.”
