Usman Nurmagomedov chuckles when requested what his cousin Khabib mentioned to him after his hard-fought win over Paul Hughes this month.

Nurmagomedov retained his PFL light-weight world title in opposition to the Irishman in Dubai, however Khabib, who was in his nook, could possibly be heard screaming on the Russian throughout some contentious moments within the battle.

Nurmagomedov says he’s again within the health club regardless of having fun with just one week of relaxation after the battle – on Khabib’s orders.

“At first he was so completely satisfied and congratulated me,” Usman tells BBC Sport.

“However then he mentioned ‘You must be beginning coaching. As a result of we do not have time for stopping and chilling. We’re right here to work.’

“I mentioned ‘OK, brother. Give me one week.’ He mentioned ‘OK, one week’.”

Former UFC light-weight champion Khabib turned to teaching after retiring undefeated in 2020 with 29 wins from 29 fights.

Nurmagomedov’s victory was his second over Hughes after a slim win in January, however the judges’ scorecards didn’t mirror a detailed battle – they scored it 50-45, 49-46 and 48-47.

“My opinion: I gained each spherical; I took him down in each spherical. I threw my jab very properly. And if he solely did a few photographs, I did greater than him,” mentioned Nurmagomedov.

“In my view there was no 50-45. It was like 48-46 or 48-47.

“Folks can speak. I do not care what individuals take into consideration me or my battle. The individuals who perceive the battle, they know this was excessive stage.”