Khabib Nurmagomedov has built a fearsome reputation as a coach since retiring undefeated in 2020, and his training methods spare no one. That includes his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov, the unbeaten PFL lightweight champion, who admits sessions under Khabib can feel brutal. Speaking ahead of his latest fight, Usman said Khabib ignores fatigue and insists on pushing through, often extending training long after planned sessions end. He joked that even when fighters say Khabib is “trying to kill us”, they accept it as the path to improvement.
Usman contrasted Khabib’s approach with that of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, saying his late uncle was more forgiving in training. Still, he said he values Khabib’s intensity because it forces fighters to exceed their limits. That philosophy appears to be working. Usman defended his PFL title in Dubai by submitting Alfie Davis in the third round, improving his record to 21-0.
Khabib has made clear how highly he rates his cousin. He has already said Usman is a more complete fighter than Ilia Topuria, adding that only a fight would truly settle the debate.
