
Mixed martial arts (MMA) fans and observers often speculate connections, lineages, and affiliations among fighters — especially those from the same regions or training circles. One recurring question in recent years: Is Abusupiyan “Abus” Magomedov related to Khabib Nurmagomedov? Using credible sources such as Sherdog, Tapology, and other MMA media, we explore Magomedov’s background, career, and any real link (biological or professional) to Khabib.
Who Is Abusupiyan Magomedov?
Early Life & Origins
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Abusupiyan Magomedov was born on September 2, 1990 (making him 35 in 2025).
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His birth name is given as Abusupiyan Magomedov Khydyvov, sometimes shortened to Abus Magomedov.
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He is of Russian origin, with roots in Dagestan (or nearby republics in Russia).
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Later, his family relocated to Germany (Düsseldorf), and Magomedov fights out of UFD Gym in Germany.
Physical Profile & Fighting Class
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He competes in the middleweight division (around 185 lbs / 83.9 kg) as his current class.
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His height is about 6′2″ (188 cm), with a reach of about 78 in (198 cm)
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On Sherdog, his record is listed as 28 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw (28-7-1)
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Among his 28 wins: ~14 by KO/TKO (50 %)
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~7 by submission (≈25 %)
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~7 by decision (≈25 %)
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Losses: 2 by KO/TKO, 3 by submission, 2 by decision
Career Trajectory & Highlights
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Magomedov began his professional MMA career around 2010, competing initially in regional European promotions (Germany) before moving into larger organizations.
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He has competed in PFL (Professional Fighters League), KSW, and other European circuits before signing with the UFC.
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His UFC journey includes:
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His debut was delayed by visa issues.
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He eventually debuted, securing a win in 19 seconds via TKO against Dustin Stoltzfus.
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Notable fights:
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Loss to Sean Strickland via KO/TKO in Round 2 (4:20) in 2023.
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Victory over Brunno Ferreira at UFC 308 (Oct 2024) via submission (arm-triangle choke) in Round 3.
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A bout against Michel Pereira on April 26, 2025.
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Thus, Magomedov’s path has been steady, with finishes, decisions, and a mix of wins and losses typical of a seasoned middleweight.
Sherdog & Tapology: What They Show & What They Don’t
To inspect the question of relation or affiliation to Khabib, it helps to look at how major MMA databases present Magomedov.
Sherdog Profile
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Sherdog lists his record, physical stats, affiliations (UFD Gym), style (Luta Livre among others)
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It does not mention any familial or training connection to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Tapology Profile
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Tapology records his fight history, rankings, and fighter details. For instance, it shows his record of 28-7-1, his age, reach, weight class, and gym.
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It also assigns him a #17 ranking in Top Middleweight (Tapology’s internal ranking)
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On Tapology’s pages for fights (e.g. Pereira vs Magomedov, Brunno Ferreira bout) you can trace his career progress.
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Like Sherdog, Tapology does not provide any evidence of blood relation to Khabib.
In short: The major MMA databases provide robust fighting and statistical data, but no indication or source pointing to a family connection with Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The Question: Is Abusupiyan Magomedov Related to Khabib?
Given the popularity of Khabib and the prevalence of the “Magomedov” and “Nurmagomedov” names in Dagestan MMA circles, misunderstandings and speculations often arise. Let us break down evidence and claims.
What People Speculate
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Some MMA media and fan forums ask whether Abus is related to Khabib — often because of the shared region, similar names, and some Instagram interactions.
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One article states:
“It seems like they are not related, but they know each other because the duo had an Instagram interaction where Magomedov posted ‘#TeamKhabib’.”
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In that interaction, Khabib replied, “It was nice to meet you, brother.”
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What Reliable Sources Say
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The article from EssentiallySports (cited above) explicitly asserts there is no blood relation between Abus and Khabib.
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No reputable MMA news site, Sherdog, or Tapology indicates a familial tie.
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The absence of any mention in biographies or fighter profiles about being Khabib’s relative is telling — if there were such a connection, it would likely be a highlight.
Potential Reasons for Confusion
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Shared region and naming overlap
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“Magomedov” is a common surname in Dagestan and among fighters from that region.
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Many Dagestani fighters, coaches, and affiliates move in overlapping MMA circles, increasing perceived proximity.
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Social media interactions & branding
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Abus posting “#TeamKhabib” and sharing respect or greetings can spur rumors.
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In MMA culture, calling someone “brother” (especially among fighters) may not imply blood relation — it can be a term of respect or camaraderie.
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Public narratives & assumptions
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MMA media sometimes approach Dagestani fighters assuming ties.
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Because Khabib is such a towering figure, many younger fighters from the region get compared or linked to him.
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Conclusion on the Question
Based on all accessible evidence:
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There is no credible proof that Abusupiyan Magomedov is biologically related to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
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The shared region, surname, and occasional public interactions may lead some to assume a connection, but that appears to be superficial or symbolic rather than familial.
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MMA databases and profiles (Sherdog, Tapology) provide no indication of a family link.
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The most defensible position is: They are not related by blood, though they may have mutual respect, social or media interactions.
So, the likely answer to the title question is: No — Abusupiyan Magomedov is not related to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
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