Umar Nurmagomedov lost his first chance at becoming a UFC champion last Saturday. Going one-on-one against Merab Dvalishvili, the Dagestani fighter bowed out after a valiant attempt. However, after the bout was over, Nurmagomedov revealed that he had broken his arm in the first round. While that surely did affect his performance inside the octagon, things became even more surprising with his coach, Javier Mendez’s latest confession.
In a recent interview with ‘Submission Radio’, Mendez pointed out that Nurmagomedov did not reveal his injury to his camp before. It was only after he spilled the beans to Joe Rogan in the in-octagon interview did Khabib and co become aware of the same.
“If [Umar] told me he broke his hand, I would have changed the game plan… I would have had him kick more,” said Mendez.
Javier Mendez reveals that Umar Nurmagomedov didn't tell his corner that his hand was broken during the fight against Merab:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 21, 2025
"If [Umar] told me he broke his hand, I would have changed the game plan… I would have had him kick more."
(via. @SubmissionRadio) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/yAZzz0YmN0
Surely, there will be debates going on as to what would have happened if Umar was not injured. However, despite suffering his first loss, the young fighter from Dagestan has Islam Makhachev support him.
Islam Makhachev Extends His Support Towards Umar Nurmagomedov
Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov are two of the brightest pupils of Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, while Makhachev had a happy hunt, Nurmagomedov could not continue his undefeated streak. Despite the loss, Makhachev predicted that Umar will soon be back in full flow. And he will also become a champion.
“Maybe it did make me a little bit sad, but Umar is still young and still hungry. He has time… One hundred percent he will come back because he’s still hungry, and he’s going to be UFC champion one day, I’m sure,” Makhachev pointed out.
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Thus, even in the face of defeat, Umar Nurmagomedov is receiving praise. And if he continues with his top-notch efforts in the long run, Umar will be a strong contender to extend the legacy of Khabib.
Also Read: Usman Nurmagomedov More Concerned About Islam Makhachev And Umar Than His PFL Title Fight
