“Khabib Had His Time” – Islam Makhachev Gives a Verdict on His Legacy Comparison With Nurmagomedov Ahead of UFC 302

The date for Islam Makhachev’s third title defense at UFC 302 lurks just around the corner. Without a doubt, the anticipation for the fight between Makhachev and Dustin Poirier is quite palpable. However, the UFC LW champ got brutally honest with his opinion when comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov and his legacy came up. 

The UFC 302 countdown video was released a few hours ago on UFC’s YouTube channel. The cards indeed have the potency of enhancing the fans’ entropy with not just the main event, but also with cards like Paulo Costa vs. Sean Strickland, and Kevin Holland vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk. And as Makhachev revealed his views on Nurmagomedov’s legacy, the hype is exactly what one can expect from such events. Sky high!

Islam Makhachev suggests it’s his time to bask in the sun after end of Khabib Nurmagomedov era

In the recent UFC 302 Countdown video, Makhachev compared his legacy with that of his mentor. He claimed that ‘The Eagle’ had his time. But now, it was the champ’s time to dominate the Octagon. He said, “And now I am number one in the pound-for-pound rankings. Khabib have his time and right now, it’s my time.”

The lightweight champion currently boasts a record of 25-1-0. He snatched the UFC championship belt from Charles Oliveira back in UFC 280, with an impressive arm triangle. Thereafter, he defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev put the lightweight championship belt on the line, while the Australian mixed martial artist put forth his pound-for-pound #1 position. Without a doubt, the Dagestani fighter claimed victory over Volkanovski via unanimous decision and sat on the throne of the pound-for-pound list. Despite their friendship and mutual respect, Volkanovski and Makhachev faced each other once again in a rematch at UFC 294. However, history repeated itself as Makhachev won again. But this time via a first-round knockout kick.

On the other hand, Khabib Nurmagomedov is celebrated for his undefeated record of 29-0-0. The former UFC lightweight champion became the highlight following his rivalry with Conor McGregor. However, with his own protégé trying to surpass him, there must be nothing to make Nurmagomedov prouder, don’t you think?

With his experience and superior skills, ‘The Eagle’, although previously announced his retirement from the realm of mixed martial arts, has now swooped in to aid the Dagestani team in their training. After all, Nurmagomedov’s victory over Poirier could add a lot of valuable lessons in Makhachev’s training. But Coach Khabib has a warning for Makhachev.

‘The Eagle’ issues caution to the wind

Nurmagomedov has recently shared a warning with the Dagestani camp regarding Makhachev’s next opponent. He warned his friend not to underestimate Poirier. In a conversation on his YouTube channel, Nurmagomedov said, “Many people underestimate Dustin Poirier. I personally fought him, spent three rounds and over 10 minutes with him, and I have a good sense of his strengths and weaknesses. We are working hard on these aspects.”

‘The Eagle’ has first-hand experience as Poirier’s opponent. Even though he defeated ‘Diamond’ with a rear naked choke, back in 2019, he did face moments of uncertainty particularly when the American employed a guillotine to clinch the win. Despite overcoming adversity and claiming the win, the Russian fighter has asked the lightweight champion to be wary of all possibilities. The outcome of their fight is something only time has the power to tell. But one thing is certain. The entire world of mixed martial arts would witness one of the most exciting fights in UFC 302.

Who do you think would win between Makhachev and Poirier? Do you side with Makhachev’s verdict on the legacy comparison with his mentor? Let us know in the comments down below.