The Meaning Behind Dagestani UFC Fighters’ Names
If you’ve followed the UFC in recent years, you’ve probably noticed the rise of fighters with names ending in ‘-ov’ or ‘-ev’. Names like Magomedov, Makhachev, Nurmagomedov—but what do these names actually mean? And why do so many of them sound similar?
Dagestan, a republic in Russia, is home to some of the most dominant fighters in mixed martial arts. Their names not only carry deep Islamic and cultural significance, but they also reflect generations of warriors, faith, and resilience. Let’s break it all down.
The Meaning Behind the ‘-ov’ and ‘-ev’ Suffixes
The ‘-ov’ and ‘-ev’ suffixes are common in Russian surnames, signifying “son of” or “belonging to” in many cases. This is why you see names like:
- Nurmagomedov – Son of Nurmagomed (or belonging to the lineage of Nurmagomed)
- Makhachev – Belonging to the lineage of Makhach
- Abdurakhmanov – Son of Abdurakhman
These names trace back to Islamic and Arabic roots, as many Dagestanis are Muslim and name their children after revered Islamic figures. So let’s dive into the actual names and their meanings.
Breakdown of Common Dagestani Fighter Names
1. Magomed (Muhammad)
One of the most common names in Dagestan, Magomed is simply the Russian transliteration of Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Prophet of Islam.
Famous Fighters:
- Magomed Ankalaev (UFC Light Heavyweight Contender)
- Magomed Magomedov (Bellator Bantamweight)
- Magomed Mustafaev (UFC Lightweight)
2. Khabib (Habib – “Beloved”)
Khabib is the Russianized version of Habib, which means “beloved” in Arabic. The name carries deep spiritual meaning, often linked to devotion and piety.
Famous Fighter:
- Khabib Nurmagomedov (Former UFC Lightweight Champion, undefeated at 29-0)
3. Islam (“Submission to God”)
A name deeply tied to the Muslim faith, Islam means “submission to God” and signifies devotion.
Famous Fighter:
- Islam Makhachev (UFC Lightweight Champion, Khabib’s protégé)
4. Usman (Uthman – “named after the Prophet Muhammad’s close companion“)
Usman comes from Uthman, the name of the third Caliph of Islam and a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad.
Famous Fighter:
- Usman Nurmagomedov (Bellator Lightweight Champion, cousin of Khabib)
5. Abubakar (Abu Bakr – “named after the Prophet Muhammad’s close companion”)
Named after Abu Bakr, the first Caliph of Islam and closest friend of the Prophet Muhammad.
Famous Fighter:
- Abubakar Nurmagomedov (UFC Welterweight)
6. Zubaira (“Strong and Courageous”)
A lesser-known but powerful Arabic name meaning strength and bravery.
Famous Fighter:
- Zubaira Tukhugov (UFC Featherweight, part of Khabib’s camp)
7. Ramazan (Ramadan – “The Holy Month of Fasting”)
Ramazan is named after Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, representing patience, fasting, and devotion.
Famous Fighters:
- Ramazan Emeev (UFC Welterweight)
- Ramazan Kuramagomedov (MMA Prospect)
Top 20 Dagestani Muslim UFC Fighters
- Khabib Nurmagomedov (Habib Nur Muhammad) – Lightweight GOAT, retired at 29-0
- Islam Makhachev (Islam Makhach) – Current UFC Lightweight Champion
- Usman Nurmagomedov (Uthman Nur Muhammad) – Bellator Lightweight Champion
- Magomed Ankalaev (Muhammad Ankalaev) – Top UFC Light Heavyweight contender
- Zubaira Tukhugov (Zubayr Tukhugov) – UFC Featherweight veteran
- Abubakar Nurmagomedov (Abu Bakr Nur Muhammad) – UFC Welterweight
- Ramazan Emeev (Ramadan Emeev) – Former UFC Welterweight
- Magomed Mustafaev (Muhammad Mustafaev) – Explosive UFC Lightweight striker
- Tagir Ulanbekov (Tahir Ulanbekov) – UFC Flyweight, training under Khabib
- Umar Nurmagomedov (Omar Nur Muhammad) – Rising Bantamweight prospect, Khabib’s cousin
- Said Nurmagomedov (Sa’id Nur Muhammad) – UFC Bantamweight contender
- Movsar Evloev (Muftasar Evloev) – UFC Featherweight rising star
- Gadzhimurad Antigulov (Abdul Murad Antigulov) – Former UFC Light Heavyweight
- Aliaskhab Khizriev (Ali Akhbar Khizriev) – UFC Middleweight prospect
- Gadzhi Omargadzhiev (Abdul Omargadzhiyev) – Middleweight fighter with elite sambo skills
- Sharabutdin Magomedov (Sharaf Uddin Muhammadov) – Striking specialist
- Rustam Khabilov (Rustam Khabibullayev) – Former UFC Lightweight, known for his wrestling
- Murad Magomedov (Murad Muhammadov) – Young MMA prospect
- Shamil Gamzatov (Shamil Hamzatov) – UFC Light Heavyweight
- Islam Dulatov (Islam Dulatov) – Upcoming fighter to watch
The Legacy Behind the Names
Dagestani fighters don’t just carry these names for tradition—they embody their meanings. Names like Magomed, Khabib, Usman, and Islam represent faith, strength, and honor, and these fighters uphold that legacy inside the Octagon.
As more warriors rise from the mountains of Dagestan, expect to hear these names echo in the UFC for years to come.
One thing is clear: Dagestani dominance is here to stay.
