LAS VEGAS – Umar Nurmagomedov thinks he’s ready to size up ranked opposition in the UFC.
Nurmagomedov (15-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC), a UFC bantamweight prospect and cousin of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, kept his undefeated record intact Saturday at UFC on ESPN 38. The 26-year-old defeated Nate Maness in a dominant unanimous decision win with 30–27, 30–26 and 30–25 scores.
Nurmagomedov thinks he can fare well against the top tier of the UFC’s 135-pound division following his latest win.
“If they give me (a top-15 opponent), I’m ready, but I don’t want to say someone’s name,” Nurmagomedov told reporters at the UFC on ESPN 38 post-fight news conference. “(I’m going) step by step. I think I’m close to beating somebody in the top 10, top five and then fighting for the belt. Slowly, slowly I’m improving everywhere, and it’s going to be great.”
Despite thinking he’s ready to take on ranked challengers, Nurmagomedov is not keen on calling anyone out. He’s also not trying to rush his career, but does see himself with a UFC belt around his waist in the future.
“I don’t care if they give me a quick road or if they give me slowly, I’m ready,” Nurmagomedov said. “For me, it’s important to win every fight and one day it’s going to happen. I’ll become champion.”
