LAS VEGAS, Nevada — After UFC Vegas 67, a lot of talk (at least about the fight itself) was about Umar Nurmagomedov.
The cousin of lightweight Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov improved to 16-0 with a stunning knockout of Raoni Barcelos. The result surprised even Nurmagomedov himself, nicknamed “The Young Eagle” in honor of his cousin.
“I didn’t train this, it’s like being single [punch KO], but sometimes your body is using your skills, you know? That’s why you have to train so many times, more than everyone else,” Nurmagomedov told media including Cageside Press after the match. “That’s when you become a champion. “
Nurmagomedov had expected a three-round fight rather than a one-punch knockout. If the game ends early, he is expected to take the win.
Umar said ahead of UFC Vegas 67 that he had trouble finding opponents willing to fight him. That could become a bigger question as he proves to be a danger in both the wrestling department and his feet.
Speaking of the rest of the roster, “These guys know our team, Khabib [Nurmagomedov]Islam [Makhachev]Usman [Nurmagomedov], are different people. We’re improving, we’re fine, and they’re looking at us like, Jeopardy,” Nurmagomedov suggested. “This, I see. Because there’s no one in the top 15 that doesn’t fight me. Even this guy Ricky Simon. He said ‘hey, who are you,’ [stuff] like this. I’m Ricky Simon here. Where are you? I will be the champion and you will be the eighth. “
So while Umar Nurmagomedov had a date in mind, he didn’t want to fight Simon, despite the UFC’s previous attempts to pair them. “No, I don’t want to fight him. I have a different name, I hope it’s March, March 4th. I don’t want to fight him because when I asked him to fight me, he said ‘oh you are Who. “I’ll tell you who I am.”
As for that different name, apparently “Anyone. Anyone, I don’t care. But not this guy. I don’t want to give him a chance.”
Asked when he thought he would become UFC bantamweight champion, given the turmoil at heavyweight, Nurmagomedov said: “I think in 2024, I will be champion. Definitely. I will be champion.”
Nurmagomedov also confirmed he had spoken to cousin Khabib, who was not in his corner on Saturday, after the game.
“Yes, I’ve talked to him. He’s been with my dad, my uncles. They’ve watched the fight together. They’ve congratulated me.”
Watch Umar Nurmagomedov’s full UFC Vegas 67 post-fight media appearance above.
