Khabib Nurmagomedov has big plans for his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov (17-0) defends his lightweight title against Alexander Shabliy (24-3) in the Bellator Champions Series: San Diego headliner on Saturday at Pechanga Arena.

Khabib will be in the corner of Usman, the younger brother of top UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov.

“Usman Nurmagomedov is the future of this sport,” Khabib said in a video posted by Bellator MMA. “Usman is part of the young generation of our gym. He and I were trained by my father and now I train him. We spend many years together in gyms, so more than 15 years.”

“He’s always been so competitive. That’s why he’s still undefeated, that’s why he’s the Bellator lightweight champion and defending his title. In the next fight he’ll show why he’s one of the best in the world right now.”

Usman told MMA Junkie that he plans to beat up Shabliy and have Khabib wrap the belt around his waist. On paper, Shabliy is considered by many experts to be the toughest test of Usman’s career. Shabliy has won nine fights in a row, including victories over Brent Primus, Tofiq Musayev and Patricky Pitbull.

For more information on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s Bellator Champions Series: San Diego event page.