Abubakar Nurmagomedov

Abubakar Magomedovich Nurmagomedov (born November 13, 1989) is a Russian mixed martial artist, who was formerly competing in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has also previously competed for the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He is a three-time Combat Sambo World Championship bronze medalist and Russian national combat sambo champion.

Background Abubakar Nurmagomedov was born on November 13, 1989, in the village of Goksuv in Khasavyurtovsky District, Dagestan. At primary school Abubakar began to train in freestyle wrestling, and after high school he switched to Combat Sambo under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. In 2014 he won the bronze medal match at the Combat Sambo World Championships.

World Combat Sambo Championship Abubakar came in third place in various world combat sambo tournaments, against multiple world champions like Yaroslav Amosov and Pavel Kusch, and Eldar Eldarov

In his WSOF debut, Nurmagomedov defeated Jorge Moreno of USA on August 1, 2015, at WSOF 22 via unanimous decision.

After his debut he beat next opponent from Las Vegas, Nevada Danny Davis Jr. on December 18, 2015, at WSOF 26 via unanimous decision.

Nurmagomedov faced Matthew Frincu on April 2, 2016, at WSOF 30. He won the fight via TKO in the second round.

Nurmagomedov faced John Howard on October 7, 2016, at WSOF 33. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Nurmagomedov faced Matt Secor on 18 March 2017 at WSOF 35. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Professional Fighters League

Nurmagomedov competed at PFL welterweight Grand-Prix. He faced Pavel Kusch in the opening round at PFL 3 on July 5, 2018. He lost the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the second round.

Nurmagomedov faced Jonatan Westin on August 16, 2018, at PFL 6. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

On October 15, 2018, it was announced that Nurmagomedov would replace João Zeferino in the Welterweight Tournament at PFL 10 on October 20, 2018. He faced Bojan Veličković in the quarter-final round. The bout ended in a unanimous draw with Nurmagomedov advancing due to winning the first round. However, Nurmagomedov did not advance to semifinals due to hand injury and Veličković replaced him.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Nurmagomedov made his promotional debut on November 9, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 163 against David Zawada. He lost the fight via submission in round one.

Nurmagomedov faced Jared Gooden on March 27, 2021, at UFC 260. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Nurmagomedov was scheduled to face Daniel Rodriguez on July 17, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 26. However, Nurmagomedov was forced to withdraw from the event, citing injury.

Nurmagomedov was scheduled to face Philip Rowe on July 16, 2022, at UFC on ABC: Ortega vs. Rodríguez. However, the pairing was cancelled due to complications on both sides. Rowe has been forced to withdraw due to an injury, while Nurmagomedov is dealing with visa issues.

Nurmagomedov faced Gadzhi Omargadzhiev on October 22, 2022, at UFC 280. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Nurmagomedov was scheduled to face Carlston Harris on March 11, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 221. However, Nurmagomedov withdrew from the bout due to an undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Jared Gooden.

Nurmagomedov faced Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos on June 3, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 46. He lost the fight via split decision.

On February 14, 2024, it was announced that Nurmagomedov had parted with the UFC.

Global Fight League On December 11, 2024, it was announced that Nurmagomedov was signed by Global Fight League.

Nurmagomedov was scheduled to face Louis Glisman on May 25, 2025 at GFL 2. However, all GFL events were cancelled indefinitely.

Championships and accomplishments Sambo World Combat Sambo Federation (WCSF) 2013 World Championship (Moscow, Russia, 82 kg) — ; 2014 Combat Sambo World Cup (Gaspra, Russia, 82 kg) — ;

Controversies

UFC 229 Nurmagomedov-McGregor post-fight incident At UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov jumped the cage after his title victory and charged toward Conor McGregor's cornerman Dillon Danis. Soon after, McGregor and Abubakar attempted to exit the octagon, but a scuffle broke out between them after Abubakar was attacked by McGregor. McGregor was then attacked by two of Khabib's corner men, Zubaira Tukhugov and Esed Emiragaev. On January 29, 2019, the NSAC announced a one-year suspension for Nurmagomedov, (retroactive to October 6, 2018) and a $25,000 fine. He became eligible to compete again on June 6, 2019.

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos Decision (split) UFC on ESPN: Kara-France vs. Albazi

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Gadzhi Omargadzhiev Decision (unanimous) UFC 280

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Win

Jared Gooden Decision (unanimous) UFC 260

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

David Zawada Submission (triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Magomedsharipov vs. Kattar

Moscow, Russia Draw

Bojan Veličković Draw (unanimous) PFL 10

Washington, D.C., United States Win

Jonatan Westin Decision (unanimous) PFL 6

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Loss

Pavel Kusch Submission (rear-naked choke) PFL 3

Washington, D.C., United States Win

Matt Secor Decision (unanimous) WSOF 35

Verona, New York, United States Win

John Howard Decision (unanimous) WSOF 33

Kansas City, Missouri, United States Win

Matthew Frincu TKO (punches) WSOF 30

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Danny Davis Jr. Decision (unanimous) WSOF 26

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Jorge Moreno Decision (unanimous) WSOF 22

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Vladimir Gunzu TKO (punches) Sochi Star Club: Sochi Star Tournament 3

Sochi, Russia Loss

Magomed Mustafaev TKO (doctor stoppage)

Win

Richard Totrav TKO (punches)

Win

Dmitry Capmari TKO (punches) Union of Veterans of Sport: Champion Cup

Novosibirsk, Russia Win

Magomed Shakhbanov TKO (punches) Liga Kavkaz: Grand Umakhan Battle

Khunzakh, Russia Win

Yuri Grigoryan Submission (kimura) Russian MMA Union: St. Petersburg MMA Championship 1

Saint Petersburg, Russia Win

Sergei Akinin TKO (punches)

Win

Adilbek Zhaldoshov TKO (punches)

Win

Anatoly Safronov Submission (triangle choke) Liga Kavkaz 2012

Khasavyurt, Russia Win

Ibrahim Dzhantukhanov Submission (armbar) ProFC: Battle in the Caucasus

Khasavyurt, Russia