Have you ever wondered what goes through Khabib Nurmagomedov’s mind when he watches his fighters step into the Octagon? For someone who once dominated the UFC with ice-cold precision, you’d expect him to be just as composed outside the cage, right? Well, think again. According to his longtime coach Javier Mendez, Khabib might just be an emotional wreck at UFC 311.

Speaking with The Schmo, the AKA head honcho didn’t hold back about what’s ahead for his star pupil. “For him, it’s going to be a ball of nerves,” Mendez revealed. “For me, it’s going to be not that bad at all because I’m used to it. Now I can go right through it, not a problem. He’s going to be a wreck.”

Why? Because this isn’t just any fight night. On January 18, ‘The Eagle’ will corner not one but two fighters, his protege and lightweight champ Islam Makhachev, and his undefeated cousin Umar Nurmagomedov. Can Khabib handle the pressure of watching both men fight for glory on the same night?

Imagine this, Makhachev defending his lightweight belt against Arman Tsarukyan in the main event while Umar squares off against bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main. Sounds like a night of electrifying fights, doesn’t it? But for Khabib, it’s not just about titles or pound-for-pound rankings. It’s about family, legacy, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.

We’ve seen glimpses of the Dagestani coach’s emotional side before. Remember UFC 280, when he barked animated instructions at Islam during his title-winning fight? The same man who once dismantled Justin Gaethje with surgical precision at UFC 254 is now in a role where emotions run high.

But here’s the twist, while Khabib is likely to be a nervous wreck, Islam and Umar seem laser-focused. The question is, can Khabib stay calm enough to guide them to victory?

Islam Makhachev steps out of The Eagle’s shadow, but can he stay calm at UFC 311?

Does Islam Makhachev still live in Khabib’s shadow? It’s a question UFC fans have debated for years. On one hand, Makhachev grew up training with Khabib under the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. On the other, he’s now a dominant force in his own right. Think about it, the Dagestani is the reigning lightweight champ and the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

Just last year, he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in devastating fashion. Yet, the comparisons to Khabib persist. But does he even need to “escape” that shadow? Dana White doesn’t think so. “I don’t know if he really lives in Khabib’s shadow,” White said after UFC 294. “Tonight was a big step in the right direction.”

Still, UFC 311 will be another test for Islam, not just as a fighter, but as someone defining his legacy. And while he battles to register a record 4th title defense at 155lbs, Umar will be making his own bid for greatness. With an undefeated record of 18-0, his clash with Merab Dvalishvili isn’t just about the bantamweight belt, it’s about proving he belongs among the sport’s elite.

Let’s face it, the stakes are sky-high for everyone involved. For Islam, it’s about adding another chapter to his story as the best lightweight in the world. For Umar, it’s about carrying the Nurmagomedov name into a new division. And for Khabib? It’s about walking a tightrope between coach and family. What do you think? Will Khabib’s presence be a blessing or a burden for Islam and Umar? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!