Is Islam Makhachev Related to Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov?

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, two names synonymous with dominance in the UFC’s lightweight division, have etched their mark on the sport. From conquering giants like Conor McGregor to toppling Charles Oliveira, their paths to UFC gold are nothing short of legendary. Through it all, they’ve stood side by side, training, cornering, and guiding each other in their respective journeys.

But while the two men share a profound bond, the question arises: how deep does their connection run? Is Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, related to Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, in a way beyond just coaching?

The connection between Islam Makhachev and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov

Islam Makhachev’s journey into MMA is intertwined with Abdulmanap’s teachings, much like Khabib’s. From a young age, Makhachev immersed himself in the combat culture of Dagestan. Born in Makhachkala, he began his martial arts journey with taekwondo, but it was under Abdulmanap’s guidance that Makhachev truly blossomed.

After initially dabbling in different sports, Makhachev met Khabib and his brothers, who would later become his training partners and lifelong friends. What started as casual sparring turned into a commitment to a lifestyle that demanded everything from him. Under Abdulmanap’s tutelage, Makhachev made the switch from freestyle wrestling to mixed martial arts, which would set the stage for his rise through the ranks.

During the UFC 294 countdown, when Islam Makhachev took on Alexander Volkanovski for the second time, ‘The Eagle’ confessed, “Islam was one of the favorites, my father’s students and he really loved him like his son. He really liked his discipline, focus, his championship mentality, everything. I was so proud when Islam win this title. I don’t even know when I was more happy, when I win my title or when Islam win.”

It’s clear that Abdulmanap’s impact on Islam’s life went far beyond technical coaching—he was a father figure, a guide through the turbulent world of combat sports. Eventually building a career that mirrors the teachings and discipline instilled in him by the legendary coach.

How are Islam Makhachev and Khabib related?

The bond between Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov goes beyond the typical fighter-coach or just a friendly relationship. Fans have witnessed ‘The Eagle’ supporting Makhachev in his corner during most major fights, solidifying their connection as more than just training partners. This close bond was further highlighted in Makhachev’s interview on the ‘Pound4Pound’ podcast, where he spoke with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo.

Makhachev revealed, “When I was young, I began with judo. I lived very close to the same area as Khabib. We went to the same school, and I saw him almost every day at school. I knew Khabib trained with his father in another gym, so I tried to find where they were training. When I went to the gym, at first, we didn’t do MMA,”

Their relationship evolved over years of training together, eventually blossoming into a bond as close as family. Islam Makhachev’s connection with Khabib isn’t just that of teammates—it’s the bond of brothers, as close as cousins. The two men traveled together in Russia and spent countless hours refining their skills. Their shared experiences and the family-like atmosphere they cultivated under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s guidance have made them inseparable both inside and outside the gym.

Now, at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev is poised to surpass ‘The Eagle’s achievements inside the Octagon. Taking on Arman Tsarukyan for his 4th title defense, a win here would put Makhachev in rarified air with the record for most consecutive lightweight title defenses. As Makhachev eyes history, he carries not just his own legacy but also the indelible mark of Abdulmanap’s wisdom and Khabib’s unwavering support!