Usman Nurmagomedov calls for step up in competition after one-sided Bellator 269 showing

Nolan King
·2 min read

Usman Nurmagomedov thinks he’s ready.

After a dominant first-round submission over Patrik Pietila on Saturday at Bellator 269, Nurmagomedov (14-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) called for a step up in competition against a ranked fighter.

“I certainly want a top fighter next, top 10, maybe top 15,” Nurmagomedov said through an interpreter at a virtual post-fight news conference. “It doesn’t really matter to me, but it has to be a top fighter. I need to take a bit of a rest because I have camps there (and) camps here every two-and-half-months. I really need some rest, but that’ll be just a week. Just a week’s rest, and I’m back intact.”

Already seated in the promotion’s official lightweight rankings, Nurmagomedov is eying the title – even though the opportunity isn’t imminent. In fact, prior to being informed at the Bellator 269 post-fight news conference, he wasn’t even aware the 155-pound title had recently been vacated. Why? It doesn’t matter who has the title when he reaches the top.

“When it comes to talking to Scott (Coker) about the next title (shots), I have not yet talked to Scott about anything,” Nurmagomedov said. “… When the time comes to fight for the belt, I really won’t care who is there, who reached what. I know one thing: I’m going to take the belt and take it back home.

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Bellator 269 results: Fedor Emelianenko flattens Tim Johnson with three-punch walkoff

Bellator 269 live and official results

Nurmagomedov, the younger cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib, has high aspirations in the sport. Unbeatable thus far in his professional career, Nurmagomedov hopes to leave a legacy similar to his legendary relative.

“When it comes to me and Khabib, Khabib taught me everything,” Nurmagomedov said. “I’m always training with Khabib. I’m always mirroring his technique, and everything I know is just through the way Khabib does it for quite obvious reasons. For me, he is an icon. Obviously, that’s where I’m trying to get myself to.”

Bellator 269 took place Saturday at VTB Arena in Moscow. The main card aired on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.

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