Is Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin Umar done with wrestling? Manager Ali Abdelaziz opens up on his new knockout mindset
Umar Nurmagomedov appears ready to change his approach after Ali Abdelaziz revealed a major shift in the UFC bantamweight contender ’s mindset. According to his manager, Nurmagomedov has told him that he no longer wants to rely on wrestling and instead plans to focus on knocking out his opponents.
“I’m done with wrestling,” Abdelaziz said while explaining Nurmagomedov’s new attitude. The unbeaten Russian has built his reputation around elite grappling and technical control. However, his manager claims Nurmagomedov now wants to make his fights more exciting by looking for finishes on the feet rather than depending heavily on his wrestling.
Umar Nurmagomedov wants to stop relying on wrestlingAli Abdelaziz has revealed that Umar Nurmagomedov is looking to take a different approach in his upcoming UFC fights.
The manager said Nurmagomedov recently told him that he wants to move away from his traditional wrestling-heavy style. Instead, the UFC fighter wants to focus on striking and finishing opponents.
Abdelaziz shared the conversation with Submission Radio while discussing Nurmagomedov’s new mindset.
He said, “Umar called me the other day, and he was like, ‘I’m not a wrestler. I’m not gonna wrestle again. I’m just gonna knock everybody out. I’m gonna make sure I make it look easy.’”
The statement represents a notable change for Nurmagomedov.
The Russian has developed a reputation as one of the most talented grapplers in the UFC. His wrestling and control have been important parts of his success. He has regularly used takedowns, ground control and positional work to neutralise opponents.
Now, Abdelaziz says Nurmagomedov wants to showcase another part of his game.
The goal appears to be simple. Rather than taking opponents down and controlling them for long periods, Nurmagomedov wants to look for decisive finishes.
The change could also make his fights more aggressive. Nurmagomedov has already shown that he can compete at a high level on the feet. His striking includes kicks, combinations and accurate counter shots.
However, abandoning wrestling completely would be a major tactical change. His grappling remains one of the biggest strengths of his overall game. It is also a tool that can help him control the pace and location of a fight.
The development comes as Nurmagomedov continues his rise in the UFC bantamweight division. He has faced several high-level opponents and remains one of the division’s prominent contenders. His name has also been connected with major matchups.
For Nurmagomedov, the challenge will be turning that confidence into consistent knockout performances. Wrestling has been a key part of his identity as an MMA fighter .
His decision to focus more heavily on striking could therefore change how fans view him.
It also creates an interesting question about his next fights. If Nurmagomedov follows through on Abdelaziz’s revelation, fans could see him actively searching for finishes instead of relying primarily on his grappling.
Going forward, Nurmagomedov’s performances inside the Octagon will ultimately show how much his approach has changed.
“I’m done with wrestling,” Abdelaziz said while explaining Nurmagomedov’s new attitude. The unbeaten Russian has built his reputation around elite grappling and technical control. However, his manager claims Nurmagomedov now wants to make his fights more exciting by looking for finishes on the feet rather than depending heavily on his wrestling.
Umar Nurmagomedov wants to stop relying on wrestlingAli Abdelaziz has revealed that Umar Nurmagomedov is looking to take a different approach in his upcoming UFC fights.
The manager said Nurmagomedov recently told him that he wants to move away from his traditional wrestling-heavy style. Instead, the UFC fighter wants to focus on striking and finishing opponents.
Abdelaziz shared the conversation with Submission Radio while discussing Nurmagomedov’s new mindset.
He said, “Umar called me the other day, and he was like, ‘I’m not a wrestler. I’m not gonna wrestle again. I’m just gonna knock everybody out. I’m gonna make sure I make it look easy.’”
The statement represents a notable change for Nurmagomedov.
The Russian has developed a reputation as one of the most talented grapplers in the UFC. His wrestling and control have been important parts of his success. He has regularly used takedowns, ground control and positional work to neutralise opponents.
Now, Abdelaziz says Nurmagomedov wants to showcase another part of his game.
The goal appears to be simple. Rather than taking opponents down and controlling them for long periods, Nurmagomedov wants to look for decisive finishes.
The change could also make his fights more aggressive. Nurmagomedov has already shown that he can compete at a high level on the feet. His striking includes kicks, combinations and accurate counter shots.
However, abandoning wrestling completely would be a major tactical change. His grappling remains one of the biggest strengths of his overall game. It is also a tool that can help him control the pace and location of a fight.
The development comes as Nurmagomedov continues his rise in the UFC bantamweight division. He has faced several high-level opponents and remains one of the division’s prominent contenders. His name has also been connected with major matchups.
For Nurmagomedov, the challenge will be turning that confidence into consistent knockout performances. Wrestling has been a key part of his identity as an MMA fighter .
His decision to focus more heavily on striking could therefore change how fans view him.
It also creates an interesting question about his next fights. If Nurmagomedov follows through on Abdelaziz’s revelation, fans could see him actively searching for finishes instead of relying primarily on his grappling.
Going forward, Nurmagomedov’s performances inside the Octagon will ultimately show how much his approach has changed.
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