"In Dagestan, I was training with my team in wrestling, which is considered one of the best in the world. I trained with several Olympic competitors. Now, I'm training at AKA with some of the best fighters in the UFC, so be careful, Thiago. When you train with top fighters, in addition to experience, you end up gaining a lot of confidence. I've never been to Brazil, but I believe it will be a very interesting experience. I know the fans will be all on the side of Thiago, but I hope to find hospitable people. I'm young, I thirst for victory and will fight to win. He's the best lightweight in Brazil, has good technical striking and is a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu. It is a very serious and difficult opponent. I have been working my striking techniques with members of the national team of Russia in Muay Thai. Let's see how I combine these new elements to my game. If I beat Thiago, I think I would be better placed in the category, I'll get in the top 10, so this is a very important fight for my career." - Khabib Nurmagomedov via Tatame

Undefeated UFC lightweight prospect Khabib Nurmagomedov sends a stiff warning to upcoming opponent Thiago Tavares in advance of their bout on Jan. 19.

Nurmagomedov, 24, is 2-0 in the UFC with impressive victories over Kamal Shalorus and Gleison Tibau.

The young Russian is confident that fans will witness the best Nurmagomedov at UFC on FX 7 thanks to his current training camp regiment which includes stints with the Russian national teams to improve his wrestling and Muay Thai. In addition, Nurmagomedov has been training in California at the American Kickboxing Academy alongside Jon Fitch, Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez.

Full of confidence, Nurmagomedov feels a strong performance against the dangerous Tavares will help him crack the top 10 UFC lightweight rankings.

UFC on FX 7 is scheduled for Jan. 19 inside the Ibirapuera Arena in São Paulo, Brazil.