History of Usman Nurmagomedov in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 26, 2025

Usman Nurmagomedov is a Russian mixed martial artist competing in the Lightweight division of Bellator MMA. He is the current Bellator Lightweight Champion. He has also fought for UAE Warriors and Eagle Fighting Championship. Usman is related to other prominent MMA fighters: he is the younger brother of UFC fighter Umar Nurmagomedov and a cousin of former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

April 1998: Birth of Usman Nurmagomedov

Usman Nurmagomedov was born in April 1998 in Kizilyurt, Dagestan, Russia.

March 26, 2017: Professional MMA Debut

On March 26, 2017, Usman Nurmagomedov made his professional MMA debut in Moscow, Russia, winning against Imran Abdiev via armbar in the first round.

April 2, 2021: Bellator Debut

Usman Nurmagomedov made his Bellator debut on April 2, 2021, at Bellator 255, defeating Mike Hamel via unanimous decision.

July 31, 2021: Victory over Luis Muro

On July 31, 2021, at Bellator 263, Usman Nurmagomedov defeated Luis Muro via TKO in the first round.

October 23, 2021: Victory over Patrik Pietilä

Usman Nurmagomedov defeated Patrik Pietilä via submission (rear-naked choke) in the first round at Bellator 269 on October 23, 2021.

July 22, 2022: Victory over Chris Gonzalez

On July 22, 2022, at Bellator 283, Usman Nurmagomedov defeated Chris Gonzalez via submission (guillotine choke) in the first round.

November 18, 2022: Bellator Lightweight Championship Victory

Usman Nurmagomedov became the Bellator Lightweight Champion on November 18, 2022, after defeating Patricky Pitbull via unanimous decision at Bellator 288.

March 10, 2023: Successful Title Defense and Grand Prix Quarterfinal Win

On March 10, 2023, at Bellator 292, Usman Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight title and won his quarterfinal match in the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix against Benson Henderson via submission (rear-naked choke).

October 2023: Bellator 300 and Overturned Victory

In October 2023 at Bellator 300, Usman Nurmagomedov's win against Brent Primus was overturned due to a positive drug test for a banned substance, resulting in a 6-month suspension but retention of his title.