With all the hype surrounding Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaynukov following his brawl with Dillon Danis, it’s the perfect time to highlight some of the other Club Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov prospects on the brink of a UFC shot. Note that this list won’t include prospects already in the UFC, PFL, or ACA. Amru Magomedov would’ve headlined this list a month ago, leaving room for a new top prospect…
Ullubiy Amirzhanov (6-0) 23 y.o. 135lbs
My favorite Club Nurmagomedov prospect outside of a major promotion is no doubt Ullubiy Amirzhanov. The UAE Warriors bantamweight has been making waves as of late, with a buggy choke finish in his last fight only adding to the hype. In six pro fights, Amirzhanov has racked up six finishes, all within 7 minutes or less. His opponent’s combined record through these fights is 27-2, a clear testament to the level of prospect we’re dealing with.
Amirzhanov is a massive bantamweight who uses his length to deliver devastating kicks while managing range flawlessly. His July finish of Ravshan Boymirzoev shows just how brutal his kicks can be, and how they can end a fight instantly. Patient and methodical striking, with a deadly and outright frightening arsenal of submissions. Through five submission wins, Amirzhanov has used four different chokes.
He does allow himself to get taken down a bit too easily at times, maybe due to his relaxed nature of striking, but this isn’t a problem, as Amirzhanov does some of his best work off his back. Slicing elbows, constant submission attempts, and arm traps are all used to provide danger while off his back.
His boxing hasn’t been seen much to this point, so improvements with his hands and takedown defense are needed. Cardio is also still unknown, but at 23 years old, Amirzhanov has future UFC title contender potential if he can continue improving.
Khabib Nabiev (11-0) 205lbs
There typically haven’t been too many heavier Club Nurmagomedov fighters, but Khabib Nabiev hopes to change that. Nabiev looks for the takedown early and often, with well-timed shots and great trips on the cage. He stays fairly active with GnP, but mostly to maintain his position and avoid being stood up. When Nabiev gets to mount, that’s when he smashes with his GnP and really pushes for the finish.
His takedown defense has shown holes before, especially in his fight against Adis Taalaybek, but he overcame early adversity and outlasted his opponent. On the feet, Nabiev has shown some good kicks and a strong overhand right, complemented well by a strong left hook.
If Nabiev can work on his takedown defense and stop jumping the gilly as often, he can become a big threat. His grappling and finishing ability have improved through his recent fights, showing needed growth since rougher performances.
Kurban Zaynukov (5-0) 26 y.o. 135lbs
Before you question it, yes, this is the brother of the aforementioned Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaynukov. He fights similarly as well, with a dangerous attack of kicks on the feet leading his offense. Clean footwork and quick movements open up devastating front kicks and spinning kicks.
While he doesn’t let his hands go as smoothly as his kicks, he can still deliver sharp combinations. Zaynukov does need to work a bit on his grappling defense, but his nasty ninja choke serves as a big deterrent for any grapplers leaving their neck out. He is a capable offensive grappler with strong elbows but lacks heavy control, despite three wins by submission. If Zaynukov wraps around the neck, he puts opponents to sleep. His level of competition is solid, with an 11-2 combined record for opponents up to this point.
A 20-3 amateur career and Master of Sports in boxing supersedes his undefeated pro career, showing how experienced a prospect Zaynukov truly is. There’s a chance he’s on the UFC radar already due to his brother’s recent notoriety, but a few more wins are needed.
Rashid Vagabov (14-2) 27 y.o. 125lbs
Rashid Vagabov is a name that many should be familiar with, being featured on Dana White’s Contender Series this year. Vagabov sits in the weirdest situation of this group at the moment, with a September win on DWCS that failed to result in a UFC contract.
Vagabov controlled most of that fight from the back but failed to come close to a finish. Despite this, he still remains one of the best Club Nurmagomedov outside a major promotion. Vagogbov’s bread and butter is his grappling, with fast and well-timed takedowns and very strong control. He rarely lets opponents out of his grasp and has some really slick submissions.
His striking definitely has room to catch up to his grappling, but his speed is evident in all areas. His cardio has also been fine when tested, with a strong level of competition as well.
I’d expect Vagabov to sign with the PFL or ACA if he doesn’t get another chance at the UFC, but I wouldn’t count that out just yet.
Sharapudin Ziyaudinov (6-0) 24 y.o. 185lbs
A strong grappler with good cardio, Ziyaudinov has shown leaps of improvement while racking up a 4-fight win streak at UAE Warriors. Despite five wins by TKO, Ziyaudinov hasn’t shown too much of his striking. A clean rear kick fired to the head and body is his main weapon, with feints hiding early takedown attempts.
Strength drives his grappling offense, with double-leg takedowns that lack proper setups, but still work due to power and timing. Once he’s on top, Ziyaudinov is a pain to shuck off, chain wrestling relentlessly if he loses his grasp.
Constant elbows and smothering control break the will of opponents before they can even get in a rhythm. His win just last week over previously 7-0 Khaled Laalam showed that and more, where Ziyaudinov controlled over 9 of 10 minutes en route to a Round 2 TKO.
With that now being the standout win for Ziyaudinov, he has cemented himself as a legit prospect at 185 pounds. His cardio is strong and tested, and while he still needs to work on staying active on top and submission defense, the future seems bright.
Nutsalkhan Magomedov (3-0) 23 y.o. 205lbs
Another heavier prospect and the one with the least experience is Nutsalkhan Magomedov. Magomedov excels with his kicks, delivering smashing leg kicks, nasty spinning wheel kicks, and quick head kicks. His flying knees also pose serious danger and delivered one of his three finishes to this point.
While his boxing could definitely use a tune-up with technique, he throws in combination well and has a base to build off of. Â Surprisingly, his biggest questions lie within his grappling and takedown defense, both of which are lacking. With that said, Magomedov’s offensive grappling is solid. Good takedowns lead into quick finishes with nasty and purposeful GnP. When the fight hits the floor, there’s a clear intent to finish the fight quickly. Mix that with his fun and tricky striking, and you have an interesting prospect.
Young prospects across major promotions continue to brighten the future of Club Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Expect many more to flood the regional scenes as the team’s reach only expands and legacy lives on.
If there are any fighters you felt we missed, let us know in the comments so we can check them out!