Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Umar Nurmagomedov

How Umar Nurmagomedov built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Umar Nurmagomedov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Bantamweight division. He previously fought in EFC and PFL. He is the older brother of Usman Nurmagomedov, a former Bellator and current PFL champion. As of October 2025, Umar is ranked #1 in the UFC bantamweight rankings.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 16, 2016: Fight Nights Global 57 Debut

On December 16, 2016, Umar Nurmagomedov debuted at Fight Nights Global 57 in Moscow against Rishat Kharisov, winning via a second-round guillotine choke.

January 5, 2017: Fight Star: Battle on Sura 6 Win

On January 5, 2017, Umar Nurmagomedov fought Ulukbek Amanbaev at Fight Star: Battle on Sura 6, winning in the first round via a rear-naked choke.

May 11, 2018: FMMAS Bantamweight Championship Win

On May 11, 2018, Umar Nurmagomedov won the FMMAS Bantamweight Championship against Fatkhidin Sobirov at Samara at the Battle on Volga 4 by unanimous decision.

August 30, 2018: PFL 7 Victory

On August 30, 2018, Umar Nurmagomedov fought at PFL 7 against Saidyokub Kakhramonov, winning by unanimous decision.

April 14, 2019: Battle on the Volga 10 Win

On April 14, 2019, Umar Nurmagomedov defended his title at Battle on the Volga 10, defeating Wagner Lima by unanimous decision.

July 13, 2019: GFC 14 Title Defense

On July 13, 2019, Umar Nurmagomedov defended his title at GFC 14 against Taras Gryckiv, winning by rear-naked choke in the first round.

August 8, 2019: PFL 6 Victory

On August 8, 2019, Umar Nurmagomedov competed at PFL 6 and defeated Sidemar Honorio by unanimous decision.

November 23, 2019: Title Defense Against Brian Gonzalez

On November 23, 2019, Umar Nurmagomedov defended his title against Brian Gonzalez in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, winning via rear-naked choke at the end of the first round.

January 20, 2021: Rescheduled Bout at UFC on ESPN

On January 20, 2021, the bout between Umar Nurmagomedov and Sergey Morozov, initially scheduled for UFC 257, was rescheduled a second time for UFC on ESPN: Chiesa vs. Magny.

January 24, 2021: UFC on ESPN: Chiesa vs. Magny Victory

On January 24, 2021, Umar Nurmagomedov defeated Sergey Morozov via a rear-naked choke in the second round at UFC on ESPN: Chiesa vs. Magny, earning the Performance of the Night bonus.

March 5, 2022: UFC 272 Victory

On March 5, 2022, Umar Nurmagomedov faced Brian Kelleher at UFC 272 and won the fight via a rear-naked choke in round one.

June 25, 2022: UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot Win

On June 25, 2022, Umar Nurmagomedov faced Nate Maness at UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot and won via unanimous decision.

January 14, 2023: UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov Victory

On January 14, 2023, Umar Nurmagomedov faced Raoni Barcelos at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov and won the fight via knockout in the first round, earning him the Performance of the Night bonus.

March 2, 2024: UFC Fight Night 238 Victory

On March 2, 2024, Umar Nurmagomedov faced Bekzat Almakhan at UFC Fight Night 238, winning by unanimous decision.

August 3, 2024: UFC on ABC 7 Victory

On August 3, 2024, Umar Nurmagomedov faced Cory Sandhagen at UFC on ABC 7 in a bantamweight title eliminator and won the fight by unanimous decision.

January 18, 2025: UFC 311 Loss

On January 18, 2025, Umar Nurmagomedov faced Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 311. He lost the fight by unanimous decision, marking his first loss in MMA, though the fight earned him his first Fight of the Night award.