Opinion: Are cracks beginning to show in the Nurmagomedov dynasty?

Recent perceived setbacks are raising questions about TeamNurmagomedov. | 📷: Getty/UFCEditor's note: The views and opinions expressed below are thoseof the author and do not necessarily reflect the views ofSherdog.com, its affiliates and sponsors or its parent company,Evolve Media.* * *Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov built one hell of a legacy.The father of legendary former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion KhabibNurmagomedov, Abdulmanap was the driving force behind his son'ssuccess. He trained Khabib from a young age and helped mold himinto a fighter frequently included in MMA's greatest-of-all-timediscussions.Several relatives and family friends also built successful careersin the sport. Most never approached Khabib's accomplishments, butproducing even one fighter of his caliber is more than most coachesachieve. The fact that IslamMakhachev has developed a résumé comparable to Khabib's placesAbdulmanap among the greatest trainers in MMA history.Unfortunately, Abdulmanap did not live to see the full extent ofhis work. He died in July 2020 after experiencing complicationsrelated to Covid-19. Three months later, Khabib announced hisretirement following another successful title defense, saying hedid not want to continue without his father.Khabib did not leave the sport entirely. He transitioned intocoaching and assumed a version of his father's role, guidingMakhachev to UFC championships in two divisions.Further success followed. UsmanNurmagomedov captured championships in BellatorMMA and the Professional Fighters League, while UmarNurmagomedov earned a shot at the UFC bantamweight title. Umarcame up short, but he was only 29 and appeared likely to receiveanother opportunity. Through Khabib, Abdulmanap's influence seemedpoised to extend throughout the decade.

Even great MMA dynasties eventually fade

However, nothing in combat sports lasts forever.Coaches do not face the same physical limitations as fighters, butno trainer remains at the top indefinitely. Their periods ofdominance can be surprisingly similar to the competitive windows oftheir athletes.Consider some of MMA's most celebrated coaches: Pat Miletich,Greg Jackson and AndrePederneiras. Each guided multiple fighters to UFCchampionships, but none occupies the same place in the modernconversation. Jackson and Pederneiras remain connected to thesport, yet it has been some time since one of their pupils stoodamong the UFC's most prominent champions.We may now be witnessing the beginning of a similar decline for theNurmagomedov team.That does not mean everything will collapse immediately. It doessuggest, however, that the group's peak might already havepassed.