Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Umar Nurmagomedov

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2026

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

Umar Nurmagomedov is a prominent undefeated professional mixed martial artist competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight division. A cousin of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov and a product of the renowned Dagestani wrestling system, Umar is distinguished by his exceptionally well-rounded skill set. He combines elite-level sambo and grappling credentials with high-level striking and fluid movement. Known for his tactical discipline, high fight IQ, and relentless pressure, he has rapidly climbed the divisional rankings. His ability to dominate opponents in both the striking and grappling exchanges has established him as a top contender and a future title prospect within the promotion. Umar continues to represent the Eagle MMA camp, maintaining a perfect record while showcasing the technical evolution of modern combat sports.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 16, 2016: Professional MMA Debut

On December 16, 2016, Umar Nurmagomedov made his professional mixed martial arts debut at Fight Nights Global 57 in Moscow, where he defeated Rishat Kharisov via a guillotine choke in the second round.

January 5, 2017: Sophomore Victory at Fight Star

Umar Nurmagomedov secured his second professional win on January 5, 2017, by defeating Ulukbek Amanbaev with a rear-naked choke in the first round at the Fight Star: Battle on Sura 6 event.

May 11, 2018: Bantamweight Championship Win

On May 11, 2018, Umar Nurmagomedov captured the FMMAS Bantamweight Championship after defeating Fatkhidin Sobirov by unanimous decision at the Battle on Volga 4 event held in Samara.

August 30, 2018: Victory at PFL 7

On August 30, 2018, Umar Nurmagomedov competed at the PFL 7 event, where he secured a victory against future UFC fighter Saidyokub Kakhramonov via a unanimous decision.

April 14, 2019: Title Defense at Battle on the Volga 10

On April 14, 2019, Umar Nurmagomedov successfully defended his title at the Battle on the Volga 10 event by securing a unanimous decision victory over Brazilian fighter Wagner Lima.

July 13, 2019: Victory over Taras Gryckiv at GFC 14

On July 13, 2019, while competing for the newly renamed Gorilla Fighting Championship (formerly Samara MMA Federation), Umar Nurmagomedov defeated Taras Gryckiv in the first round via a rear-naked choke.

August 8, 2019: Victory at PFL 6

On August 8, 2019, Umar Nurmagomedov made his return to the Professional Fighters League at the PFL 6 event, where he successfully defeated Sidemar Honorio via a unanimous decision.

November 23, 2019: Title Defense Against Brian Gonzalez

On November 23, 2019, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Umar Nurmagomedov successfully defended his title by defeating Argentine fighter Brian Gonzalez with a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.

April 18, 2020: Postponement of UFC 249 Bout

On April 18, 2020, Umar Nurmagomedov was originally scheduled to compete against Hunter Azure at the UFC 249 event; however, the fight was officially postponed.

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July 2020: Withdrawal from UFC on ESPN 14

In July 2020, Umar Nurmagomedov withdrew from his scheduled fight against Nathaniel Wood at UFC on ESPN 14 following the death of his uncle, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

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January 20, 2021: Victory and Performance of the Night at UFC on ESPN: Chiesa vs. Magny

On January 20, 2021, Umar Nurmagomedov faced Sergey Morozov at UFC on ESPN: Chiesa vs. Magny, securing a victory via a rear-naked choke in the second round and earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

January 24, 2021: Rescheduled bout date

Although initially targeted for January 24, 2021, at UFC 257, the matchup between Nurmagomedov and Morozov was ultimately moved to a different event date.

March 5, 2022: Victory over Brian Kelleher at UFC 272

On March 5, 2022, Umar Nurmagomedov competed at the UFC 272 event, where he successfully defeated Brian Kelleher by securing a rear naked choke submission in the first round.

March 19, 2022: Removal from UFC Fight Night 204

On March 19, 2022, Umar Nurmagomedov was scheduled to compete against Jack Shore at UFC Fight Night 204; however, he was removed from the event for undisclosed reasons and subsequently replaced by Timur Valiev.

June 25, 2022: Umar Nurmagomedov defeats Nate Maness at UFC on ESPN 38

On June 25, 2022, Umar Nurmagomedov competed at the UFC on ESPN 38 event, where he secured a victory over his opponent, Nate Maness, by way of a unanimous decision.

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January 14, 2023: Victory over Raoni Barcelos at UFC Fight Night 217

On January 14, 2023, Umar Nurmagomedov competed at UFC Fight Night 217, where he secured a first-round knockout victory against Raoni Barcelos. This impressive performance earned Nurmagomedov the Performance of the Night bonus.

August 5, 2023: UFC on ESPN 50 scheduled bout

On August 5, 2023, Umar Nurmagomedov was originally scheduled to compete against Cory Sandhagen at the UFC on ESPN 50 event, though he ultimately did not participate due to a shoulder injury sustained in mid-July.

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March 2, 2024: Victory over Bekzat Almakhan at UFC Fight Night 238

On March 2, 2024, Umar Nurmagomedov competed against promotional newcomer Bekzat Almakhan at UFC Fight Night 238. Despite being clipped early in the opening round, Nurmagomedov regained control, dominated the fight on the ground with strikes, and ultimately secured a victory via unanimous decision.

August 3, 2024: UFC on ABC 7 Victory Against Cory Sandhagen

On August 3, 2024, Umar Nurmagomedov competed in a bantamweight title eliminator match against Cory Sandhagen at UFC on ABC 7, securing a victory via unanimous decision.

October 25, 2024: Cancellation of ADXC 6 grappling match

On October 25, 2024, Umar Nurmagomedov was scheduled to face former Bellator Bantamweight World Champion Eduardo Dantas in a high-profile no-gi featherweight grappling match headlining ADXC 6; however, the contest was ultimately cancelled.

December 14, 2024: Cancellation of UFC on ESPN 63 Main Event

On December 14, 2024, the scheduled main event fight between Umar Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong at UFC on ESPN 63 was officially cancelled after Song Yadong sustained an injury.

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January 18, 2025: UFC Bantamweight Championship Bout at UFC 311

On January 18, 2025, Umar Nurmagomedov competed against Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC Bantamweight Championship at the UFC 311 event. Although he suffered his first professional MMA loss via unanimous decision, the performance was recognized as the Fight of the Night.

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October 18, 2025: Original Fight Schedule for UFC Fight Night 262

On October 18, 2025, Umar Nurmagomedov was initially scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night 262 in a match against Mario Bautista, but this bout was ultimately rescheduled for a later date.

October 25, 2025: UFC 321 Bout Victory

On October 25, 2025, Umar Nurmagomedov competed at UFC 321 after the fight was moved from the previous week, ultimately defeating Mario Bautista by way of a unanimous decision.

January 24, 2026: Umar Nurmagomedov defeats Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324

On January 24, 2026, at UFC 324, Umar Nurmagomedov faced Deiveson Figueiredo in a catchweight bout after Figueiredo missed the bantamweight weight limit. Nurmagomedov emerged victorious via a unanimous decision, receiving 25 percent of Figueiredo's purse as a penalty fine.

June 20, 2026: Meta UFC Bantamweight Ranking

As of June 20, 2026, Umar Nurmagomedov attained the #2 ranking in the Meta UFC bantamweight division.

July 25, 2026: Cancellation of UFC Fight Night 282 bout against David Martínez

On July 25, 2026, Umar Nurmagomedov was originally scheduled to compete against David Martínez at UFC Fight Night 282; however, the fight was officially cancelled because Martínez withdrew from the matchup due to an injury.