While Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov have been sidelined from Octagon action for a while, their mentor—UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov—hasn’t taken his foot off the gas. Living up to his lifelong mantra of “Eat, sleep, train, repeat,” ‘The Eagle’ has fully embraced his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s legacy, stepping into the role of coach and mentor with unwavering commitment. With Russian soil no longer an option for UFC events due to ongoing complications, the promotion has pushed forward in broadening its global footprint, making waves with a successful debut in Saudi Arabia last year.
Now, the UFC is setting its sights on Azerbaijan, preparing for its first-ever event in Baku this summer under the UFC on ABC banner, headlined by Khalil Rountree Jr. vs. Jamahal Hill. Given Baku’s proximity to Dagestan, it’s only fitting that a fighter from Team Khabib Nurmagomedov makes the card. While Makhachev is reportedly aiming for a return at UFC 317 during International Fight Week, and Umar Nurmagomedov continues to bounce back from his recent setback, neither will be in action in Azerbaijan.
Stepping into the spotlight instead is rising flyweight contender Tagir Ulanbekov, who has been quietly climbing the ranks and is now ready to make a strong statement on the global stage. Nurmagomedov recently confirmed his presence at UFC Baku via Instagram, writing on his story: “We will fly to hospitable Azerbaijan together with @tagir_ulanbekov. Only victory.”
UFC 311 Event – LA Islam Makhachev and Renato Moicano meet in the octagon for a 5-round main event bout at Intuit Dome for UFC311 Makhachev vs Moicano on January 18, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA, United States. Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/ABACAPRESS.COM Los Angeles, CA LOS ANGELES, CA United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxUK Copyright: xPXxImages/ABACAx
Ulanbekov is scheduled to face the returning Japanese legend Kyoji Horiguchi on June 21, a pivotal match in the flyweight division. The last time Tagir fought in the Octagon was at UFC 311, the first PPV event of the year. On that card, both Makhachev and Umar fought for titles. With two members of Team Khabib emerging victorious, Ulanbekov claimed a dominant win over American Clayton Carpenter by unanimous decision.
Since joining the UFC in 2020, Ulanbekov has put together a solid 5-1 record in the promotion, with an overall record of 16-2. With ‘The Eagle’ guiding him, it will be interesting to see how far Ulanbekov can rise in the flyweight division. However, this also creates a bit of a “headache” for Khabib Nurmagomedov, as just one week after UFC Baku, UFC 317 will take place, where Makhachev’s rumored return will add more pressure on the UFC Hall of Famer—a reality ‘The Eagle’ has already embraced.
Why did Khabib Nurmagomedov call MMA coaching a “headache”?
In 2021, following the passing of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib Nurmagomedov stepped away from the Octagon and took a temporary break from MMA. But he didn’t stay away for long. Instead of returning as a fighter, ‘The Eagle’ embraced a new role—as a coach and mentor—committed to carrying out ‘Father’s Plan’, which was envisioned by his father.
Under his leadership, that vision came to life. Islam Makhachev captured the 155lbs crown, while Khabib’s cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, became the Bellator 155lbs kingpin. With his fighters thriving, many assumed Nurmagomedov was fully enjoying his second act in MMA. But that wasn’t the full story. Despite the accolades, Nurmagomedov has been candid about the toll coaching takes on him, not because of his fighters’ performances, but because of the helplessness that comes with standing outside the cage.
Speaking to ESPN earlier this year, “The Eagle” opened up about the mental strain: “I didn’t know it was going to be so hard, because when I was fighting, it was easier for me. I was preparing myself, and when I stepped into the cage, I controlled everything that happened. But this coaching life is completely different. I can only talk—I can’t do anything. I can only give my brothers advice and stand outside the cage. That’s not what I’ve done all my life. That’s why it’s a little bit of a headache.”
What are your thoughts on the UFC Baku fight card? Now that the main lineup is official, which matchup has you the most excited? Let us know in the comments!
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