The year was 2016 and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was training in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan.
[autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] He was still two years away from winning gold, but his strength was beginning to build. Something special was being created. The skill level in the Russian training room increased slightly each day under Abdulmanap’s direction.
In that room was a recent UFC newcomer, [autotag]Islam Makhachev[/autotag], after a comeback victory over Chris Wade. Future professional debutants, brothers Usman and Umar Nurmagomedov were also among the group.
There was also a 17 year old young man, [autotag]Amru Magomedov[/autotag]friend of the Nurmagomedov family since childhood.
The lessons Magomedov learned as one of the young men in a room full of future legends and notables laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of the world’s most promising prospects. Magomedov always owes a lot to Abdulmanap and the teachings that continue to be transmitted through generations of struggle.
“I have great memories of working with Abdulmanap, of training with him,” Magomedov told MMA Junkie, about his coach and mentor, who passed away in 2020. “I spent four years with him. He would come and wake us up in the morning, making sure everyone was training in the morning and at night he was very disciplined. He said, ‘It is very important that you are disciplined. it will be great. Make sure you sleep at the right time. So yeah, he was definitely the one who started this whole thing and I’m grateful to have met him.”
For the next eight years, Magomedov traveled the world, assisting his training partners during weeks of championship fights. He saw Khabib and Makhachev win UFC gold, Usman win Bellator gold, and Umar establish himself as a top UFC contender.
Meanwhile, Magomedov absorbed knowledge and experience. The repetitions benefited his own skills, which he has demonstrated seven times as a professional. In October, he won the UAE Warriors lightweight gold and moved to 7-0 when he quickly submitted Jakhongir Jumaev.
Magomedov has never felt pressured, despite predictions and expectations from those around him that he will be the next to make an impact on the global stage. The legends and stars are just friends at work. He plans to do his job the same way they did.
“Well, it’s not that much pressure since I’ve known them for a while,” Magomedov said. “They motivate me. They inspire me. I’ve always tried, since I started training, to be champion. I want to be number 1 and these guys are already at the top of their careers, Khabib, Islam Makhachev, Umar, Usman. They are all pushing me forward and I always strive to be the best, so they are very inspiring to me. Obviously, we have a lot of other guys in our gym who are at the same level and are growing.
Magomedov, 25, headlines UAE Warriors 51 on Friday in Abu Dhabi as he seeks his first title defense against Ali Kabdulla (9-2-1). He enters the fight with five submissions in seven matches. Their two most recent wins came over opponents with a combined record of 17-3.
If he wins, Magomedov hopes the UFC comes calling.
“I don’t want to consider any other league from now on,” Magomedov said. “I think if I have a spectacular fight and end it early this Friday, I’ll have a good chance of getting into the UFC next time.”
Now under the guidance of Khabib, Magomedov takes his career one step at a time. But given the deep-rooted mentality instilled in him almost a decade ago by Abdulmanap, the aspirations and motivations are nothing short of championship.
“I think almost any fighter when they start their career has a goal and tries to get into the UFC,” Magomedov said. “So far, the way it’s going, I think that’s where I’m going. I don’t want to be just another fighter in the UFC. Obviously, I want to be champion one day.”
This interview was conducted with the assistance of a Russian-speaking interpreter.
This article was originally published on MMA Junkie: Khabib, Islam, Usman, Umar… Meet Amru Magomedov, next in line in the Nurmagomedov dynasty
