The Nurmagomedov Name: 5 Surprising Facts About Said Nurmagomedov’s Relationship With Khabib

As of December 17, 2025, the persistent question about a familial link between UFC Bantamweight contender Said Nurmagomedov and former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has a clear answer: they are not related by blood. Despite sharing one of the most famous surnames in the history of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and both hailing from the combat sports hotbed of Dagestan, Russia, their connection is purely professional and geographical, not genetic. The confusion highlights a fascinating cultural phenomenon within the republic of Dagestan, where shared last names are common among non-relatives. The truth is that the "Nurmagomedov" name is a powerful, yet common, patronymic surname in the Caucasus region, much like "Smith" or "Jones" in the West. This article cuts through the speculation to provide the definitive facts, a complete biography profile for both fighters, and the latest career updates on Khabib's legal and business ventures, as well as Said's ongoing quest for a UFC title shot.

The Nurmagomedov Dynasty: A Tale of Two Fighters (Biography Profile)

The shared surname of "Nurmagomedov" unites a group of elite athletes, but it is crucial to distinguish between the blood relatives (like Khabib’s cousins) and the non-related fighters who share the name. Here is a detailed profile of the two men at the center of the debate.

Khabib "The Eagle" Nurmagomedov

• Full Name: Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov
• Nickname: The Eagle
• Born: September 20, 1988
• Age: 37 (as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Sildi, Dagestan, Russia
• Division: Lightweight (Retired)
• Professional MMA Record: 29 wins, 0 losses (29-0-0)
• Major Title: Former UFC Lightweight Champion
• Notable Family/Associates: Umar Nurmagomedov (Cousin), Abubakar Nurmagomedov (Cousin), Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (Late Father/Coach), Islam Makhachev (Close Friend/Teammate)
• Primary Camp: Eagles MMA

Said Nurmagomedov

• Full Name: Said Nurmagomedov
• Born: April 5, 1992
• Age: 33 (as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia
• Division: Bantamweight
• Professional MMA Record: 18 wins, 5 losses (18-5-0)
• UFC Debut: July 2018
• Finishing Rate: Approximately 55% (4 KO/TKO, 6 Submissions)
• Primary Camp: Fight Club Akhmat (Chechnya)

The Definitive Answer: Are Said and Khabib Related?

The simple, definitive answer is No, Said Nurmagomedov and Khabib Nurmagomedov are not related by blood or family lineage. This fact has been publicly acknowledged by both fighters on multiple occasions to quell the continuous fan speculation. Their connection is based solely on their shared heritage as elite fighters from the Republic of Dagestan, a mountainous region in Russia renowned for its wrestling tradition and production of world-class combat athletes.

The Dagestani Surname Phenomenon

The confusion stems from a common misunderstanding about naming conventions in the Caucasus. The surname "Nurmagomedov" is a patronymic name, meaning it is derived from the male given name "Nurmagomed," which translates roughly to "Light of Muhammad." * The name is widespread across the Avar, Kumyk, and Dargin ethnic groups in Dagestan. * The sheer number of fighters with the same last name—including Khabib’s actual cousins, Umar Nurmagomedov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov—has led fans to assume a universal family tie to any fighter sharing the moniker. * Said Nurmagomedov has been described as a "very good friend" of Khabib, but not a cousin or relative. Their relationship is one of mutual respect within the close-knit Dagestani fighting community, not a direct family bond.

Beyond the Name: Said Nurmagomedov's Standalone Career Trajectory

While the media often focuses on his famous near-namesake, Said Nurmagomedov has carved out a distinct and impressive career in the highly competitive UFC Bantamweight division. His fighting style is notably different from Khabib's grappling-heavy approach, featuring a dynamic and often unpredictable striking game. Said’s journey showcases the depth of talent coming out of Dagestan, proving that world-class fighters exist outside the immediate Eagles MMA camp founded by Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. * Distinct Training Affiliation: Said primarily trains with Fight Club Akhmat in Chechnya, a different organization from Khabib’s team, further underscoring their separate professional paths. * Recent Fight History: Said's last confirmed victory was a powerful first-round submission win over Muin Gafurov at UFC 294 in October 2023. This performance highlighted his versatile finishing skills, which include a strong submission game to complement his sharp striking. * The Bryce Mitchell Loss: Said suffered a unanimous decision loss to Bryce Mitchell at UFC Abu Dhabi, a fight where he scored an early knockdown but ultimately could not secure the finish against the resilient American. This loss served as a minor setback in his climb up the 135-pound rankings. * Upcoming Bantamweight Challenges: Said continues to be a top-tier threat in the Bantamweight division, a weight class that is arguably one of the deepest in the UFC. His focus remains on securing a high-profile win to break into the Top 10 and challenge for the title held by names like Sean O'Malley or former champion Aljamain Sterling.

Khabib’s Post-Retirement Era: A New Chapter of Legal and Business Ventures

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement in 2020 left a massive void in the MMA world, but his post-fighting life has been anything but quiet. While he maintains a coaching role for teammates like Islam Makhachev, his recent headlines have shifted toward his business and legal dealings, providing a stark contrast to Said's in-cage focus. The former champion has faced significant challenges as he transitions into a global business figure: * Tax Disputes and Account Freezes: In a major news development, reports surfaced in mid-2024 that Khabib's bank accounts in Russia were frozen due to a multi-million dollar tax debt, reportedly around $3 million. This investigation into his financial affairs has drawn considerable attention to his global earnings and business management. * Litigation Resolution: Khabib also successfully resolved a multi-million dollar breach of contract lawsuit in New York, a legal victory that closed a chapter on a complex commercial dispute. * Focus on Eagle FC: Khabib continues to run his own MMA promotion, Eagle Fighting Championship (Eagle FC), signaling his long-term commitment to developing the next generation of fighters from the region and beyond. * Coaching Success: Despite stepping away from active competition, Khabib’s coaching influence remains profound, guiding Islam Makhachev to the Lightweight championship and solidifying the legacy of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s training system. The recent news confirms that while Khabib is no longer competing, his name remains one of the most prominent in sports, albeit now often linked to high-stakes legal and business matters rather than the Octagon.

The Legacy of the Name and the Dagestani Fighting Machine

The recurring confusion over the relationship between Said and Khabib Nurmagomedov is a testament to the powerful brand created by the Dagestani fighting community. While the two men are not family, they represent the same regional excellence. The sheer volume of top-tier fighters from Dagestan—including Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, Abubakar Nurmagomedov, Tagir Ulanbekov, and Zabit Magomedsharipov—means that the Nurmagomedov surname, or similar patronymic names like Magomedov and Abdulmanapov, will continue to dominate the headlines. These fighters share a common culture of rigorous training, a wrestling-first mentality, and a deep-seated pride in their homeland, a connection far stronger than a simple shared last name. Said Nurmagomedov is not Khabib's cousin, but he is a powerful symbol of the Dagestani fighting machine, standing on his own merit as a dangerous UFC Bantamweight contender.