Manager reveals Umar Nurmagomedov's surprising new mindset on UFC career

Ali Abdelaziz says Umar Nurmagomedov will undergo a major change in his fighting style.

Nurmagomedov (20-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) has lived up to his family name by becoming one of the most feared grapplers at bantamweight. However, after getting knocked out by Song Yadong in a big upset loss last month, the former UFC title challenger now could have a different outlook on fighting.

Abdelaziz, CEO of Dominance MMA, said his client plans on showing off his striking, which has landed him just one knockout win in the UFC over Raoni Barcelos.

"I believe 2027 will be the biggest year of Umar Nurmagomedov's career," Abdelaziz told Submission Radio . "He called me the other day, and he was like, 'I'm not a wrestler. I'm never going to wrestle again.' He's not. Him and Usman are strikers, and he said, 'I'm just going to knock everybody out, and everybody I fight next I'm going to make sure I make it look easy, and I'm going to put them out of their misery.'

"He said it from the bottom of his heart. I felt it. It was like a vibration when he said that to me. I don't love anybody more than I love Umar. He's one of the kindest, nicest human beings on the planet, and he's also one of the baddest dudes on the planet. I truly believe Umar in 2027 will come back with vengeance."

After getting edged out by Merab Dvalishvili in their title fight at UFC 311, Nurmagomedov built himself back up with back-to-back wins over Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo. However, his knockout loss to Song set his title hopes back as Abdelaziz predicts a big comeback year for the 30-year-old.