Umar Nurmagomedov Vows to Ditch Wrestling and “Knock Everybody Out”

Umar Nurmagomedov is charting a new course in the cage after suffering the most stunning defeat of his career. The Dagestani bantamweight, long regarded as one of the division’s most dangerous grapplers, was knocked out in the second round by Song Yadong in the main event of UFC Shanghai, despite entering as a massive -600 betting favorite against a +450 underdog.

The result stands as one of the biggest upsets of the year, dropping Umar three spots to No. 5 in the rankings while catapulting Yadong into title contention.

According to manager Ali Abdelaziz, the loss has pushed Umar toward a dramatic shift in identity. Abdelaziz revealed that Umar called him and declared he’s finished relying on wrestling, insisting he’s not a wrestler anymore and plans to knock opponents out from now on.

Umar Nurmagomedov’s Own Response to the Loss

Umar’s own reaction was calmer than his manager’s bold claims suggest. He posted on Instagram that everything was fine with him, thanked fans for their support, and promised he would work on his mistakes and return stronger. His cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov was watching from the corner as Umar suffered just the second loss, and first stoppage loss, of his career.

Preparation & Training Status Of Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar didn’t stay away from the gym for long. Roughly ten days after the knockout, he posted a training photo on Instagram, explaining that the gym is simply all he knows and something he needs. The post drew an outpouring of support, including a message from former UFC fighter Josh Thomson. Umar is leaning on his tight-knit camp to fix what went wrong, with training partner Islam Makhachev among those rallying behind him, having already offered encouragement in the immediate aftermath of the loss. Umar has made clear he intends to use the setback as fuel, telling fans on social media that the fight for a championship isn’t over for him.

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A post shared by Umar Nurmagomedov (@umar_nurmagomedov)

Once he’s ready, the expectation is that he’ll look to work his way back into the title conversation, ideally against a ranked top-five opponent who can help restore his standing in a bantamweight division now crowded.

Also Read: Palestinian-American Muslim Fighter Sean Sharaf Makes UFC History With 12-Second Gable Steveson KO

About The Author

Anas Azmi

Anas is a dedicated sports journalist and MMA writer with a passion for covering the biggest stories in combat sports. Specializing in MMA, boxing, wrestling, and other major sporting events, he delivers timely news, fight analysis, athlete profiles, and feature articles that keep fans informed and engaged. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accurate reporting, Anas explores the stories behind the headlines, bringing readers closer to the athletes, rivalries, and moments that shape the world of sports. His work aims to provide insightful, engaging, and accessible coverage for both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.

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