Umar Nurmagomedov Says He’s Ready to Step Back Into the Octagon

When the lights dim and the crowd’s roar starts to echo in his mind, Umar Nurmagomedov admits the feeling is hard to shake. The 27‑year‑old Dagestani, who’s been climbing the flyweight ranks since his debut in 2020, recently opened up about his desire to fight again after a short spell away from the Octagon.

“I’m definitely interested in stepping back in,” he said in a candid interview on Tuesday. “The longer you stay out, the more you miss that energy, that buzz. I’ve been training, sharpening my game, and I’m ready for the next challenge.”

Nurmagomedov’s comment comes after his last bout—a decisive victory over a seasoned veteran—that left fans wondering what his next move would be. While the UFC had initially hinted at a possible matchup with a top‑10 contender, paperwork stalled and the fight was shelved. Rather than sit idle, Umar threw himself into a grueling training camp at the American Kickboxing Academy, focusing on sharpening his striking and polishing his grappling.

“Every day is a test,” he explained, laughing softly. “You either grow or you stay the same. I’ve been working on my footwork, trying to make my punches quicker, and I think my game is better than ever.”

When pressed about who he’d like to face, Umar smiled and shrugged. “Honestly, I’m up for anyone in the top of the division. If the UFC lines up a fight with Alex Perez, it would be great. If it’s someone else, I’ll take it. The goal is simple: keep moving forward and give the fans a fight they’ll remember.”

Beyond the octagon, the fighter remains close to family. His famous cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, often checks in, offering advice and reminding Umar of the discipline that defined his own legendary career. “Khabib tells me to stay humble, stay hungry,” Umar says. “He’s a big part of why I keep pushing.”

Fans can expect an official announcement in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Umar is staying busy, running a few community seminars in Dagestan, and feeding his growing Instagram following with training clips and behind‑the‑scenes footage. One thing is clear: the hunger is real, and the next fight could be just around the corner.