Umar Nurmagomedov Plans to Abandon Wrestling, Manager Says
The short version
- Ali Abdelaziz says Umar Nurmagomedov plans to stop wrestling and rely on striking
- Nurmagomedov (20-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) was knocked out by Song Yadong last month
- His lone UFC knockout win came against Raoni Barcelos
- Abdelaziz expects 2027 to be the biggest year of Nurmagomedov's career
Ali Abdelaziz says the bantamweight intends to rely on striking going forward following his knockout loss to Song Yadong.
Umar Nurmagomedov intends to step away from his grappling-heavy approach, according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz. Speaking to Submission Radio, the Dominance MMA chief said the bantamweight told him directly that he no longer considers himself a wrestler.
Nurmagomedov (20-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) was knocked out by Song Yadong in an upset last month, a setback that stalled his pursuit of a title. Abdelaziz quoted his client as saying he plans to knock out future opponents and make each appearance look effortless.
A former UFC title challenger, Nurmagomedov fell short against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 before rebounding with victories over Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo. His only UFC knockout to date came against Raoni Barcelos.
Abdelaziz predicted 2027 would be the standout year of the 30-year-old's career and said he expects him to return with a vengeance.
Written by the Matchday Live desk from reporting by Yahoo Sports.
Read the original report at Yahoo Sports ↗