5 Things You Might Not Know About Magomed Umalatov

Magomed Umalatov, an undefeated force from Russia, stands out in the elite echelons of the Professional Fighters League with a pristine 14-0 record that includes five victories under the PFL banner. With a record boasting 11 knockouts and one submission, Umalatov has decisively ended all but two of his fights by finishes. “Prince” is set to take on Andrey Koreshkov at the PFL 3: 2024 Regular Season on April 19 at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Ahead of that clash, we take a look at five things you might not know about the Russian standout.

The Fight That Never Was and Beyond

Umalatov’s pursuit of glory and the $1 million prize money in the welterweight bracket of the 2022 PFL Regular Season was off to an impressive start with a quick first-round knockout victory over Jarrah Al-Silawi. Yet, his progress and aspirations were derailed by visa complications which forced him out of the golden opportunity to fight MMA legend Rory McDonald in the subsequent round. While disheartened, Umalatov remained optimistic and strived to circumvent future logistical hurdles. In that bid to capitalize on his prime years by elevating his training, he relocated to the United States and became a member of the prestigious American Top Team.

Allies in Arms

In an article by Verdict MMA, the Russian was vocal about being surrounded by a cadre of immensely talented fighters and particularly emphasized the impact of certain training partners on his development. He singled out fellow Russian prospect Ramazan Kurmagomedov and Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen as positive influences in his professional MMA endeavor. The way he sees it, training with fighters of such high caliber pushes him to his limits and drives him to raise his level of performance.

Discipline over Downtime

Umalatov maintains a rigorous discipline in his schedule that hardly allows for any respite of more than a week even between fights. His commitment extends through the holy month of Ramadan, where, despite fasting, he persisted in training twice daily in preparation for his fight against Dilano Taylor. The intense training regimen is a response to the demanding schedule of PFL. Umalatov said in an interview with Verdict MMA, “I’m happy about the schedule when it comes to finances. It’s obviously challenging mentally and physically, but I’m already getting used to it.”

Fighting Fluency and Action-Packed Learning

During his rare breaks from training regimen, he indulges in straightforward pleasures to unwind and rejuvenate. He is a fan of action films, using them as a form of entertainment and also as a method to improve his English. During these leisure periods, he allows some dietary leeway, with a preference for hearty meat meals and the occasional joy of a Coca-Cola. Sightseeing also forms a part of his leisure routine.

From Russia with Resolve

The 32-year-old’s path to success has been paved with formidable sacrifices. Notably, he left behind his large family, including seven siblings in Russia. His motivation is not limited to personal achievements but is deeply intertwined with his ambition to become a champion to ensure a prosperous future for his family. This deep-seated commitment is fueled by the goal to claim the $1 million prize, a means to provide essential support for his loved ones.