All in the family: Fighter says Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s legacy carries on

Usman Nurmagomedov says Khabib Nurmagomedov has effectively taken over the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's central coaching duties, underscoring continuity within the Dagestan-founded team. In remarks to Red Corner MMA, Usman noted that Khabib Nurmagomedov mirrors Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's structure in training and knows precisely how far to push fighters. The group—shaped in Dagestan and later developed at American Kickboxing Academy under Javier Mendez—includes Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and other champions. Usman, the Professional Fighters League lightweight champion, said sessions intensify when Khabib is present, as assignments are set and standards enforced. Khabib retired as undefeated UFC lightweight champion in 2020 after his father's death and has since guided the team alongside Mendez.