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Khabib says cousin Usman Nurmagomedov is better lightweight than UFC champ Topuria

Originally posted on HITC | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Sep 13, 2025 9:31 AM ET

Khabib Nurmagomedov clearly doesn’t see UFC champion Ilia Topuria as the top lightweight in the world.

Topuria’s rise to stardom has been quick, becoming one of the sport’s biggest names after earning titles in two weight classes.

He first claimed gold at featherweight, then moved up to lightweight, where he knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 this past June to win the vacant title.

That win put ‘El Matador’ in the seat once held by Islam Makhachev. Still, Nurmagomedov isn’t ready to call him the clear-cut best in the division just yet.

Khabib Nurmagomedov claims his cousin Umar is superior to Ilia Topuria

In conversations about the top lightweights in MMA, some point to a fighter outside the UFC. Usman Nurmagomedov made his name during a title run in Bellator, and he’s continued to build his reputation since moving over to PFL.

During an interview shared by the PFL on social media, Khabib spoke about how Usman compares to Topuria.

“They have to fight (to know who is the best),” Khabib said of Usman and Topuria. “People can talk, they can say whatever they want.

https://twitter.com/PFLMMA/status/1966557241353416969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Usman Nurmagomedov believes his record outshines Ilia Topuria’s

Usman Nurmagomedov seems to share Khabib’s view, and he’s not shy about expressing it.

As he looked ahead to his upcoming rematch with Paul Hughes at the next PFL event in October, Nurmagomedov suggested that his own record stands above Topuria’s.

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

“We’ll see (who’s the best lightweight in the world),” Nurmagomedov told MMA Fighting. “I don’t want to put myself (as the best lightweight) because Islam is still in lightweight and he’s not (moved yet). When he moves, let’s see.

“Come on, brother, Ilia Topuria, how can he be the number one lightweight in the world? He cannot be, he has had only one fight, I’ve had 20 fights at lightweight.

“I beat former champions, champions and I think my resume is better than his,” Nurmagomedov continued. “I have 14 finishes in my career. After I finish (Hughes), I will call myself the best lightweight.”

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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