Khabib Nurmagomedov Believes Islam Makhachev Is an ‘Elite Fighter’- States There Are Not More Than 20 on the UFC Roster

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have been training together since childhood under Khabib’s father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. However, after his father’s death, ‘The Eagle’ hanged up his gloves forever.

Ever since his retirement, the former lightweight champion has been training Makhachev for his UFC career. Training under the undefeated fighter has shown drastic improvements in Makhachev’s performances.

Nurmagomedov believes Makhachev can follow in his footsteps and dominate the lightweight division of UFC. Not only that, but ‘The Eagle’ also believes Makhachev is one of the few elite fighters in the promotion.

In a recent interview with Anatomy of a Fighter, Nurmagomedov said, “If you want to finish him, you have to break him, you know. This is like it’s not gonna go. You put pressure on him and he’s gonna give up. I don’t feel this. I don’t see this.”

“But like skills, Islam is a much better fighter than him, like fighting IQ. Like physically, mentally, wrestling, grappling, winning streak, experience. Maybe experience same but even like there is levels, you know,”– he added. 

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“There is fighters, there is champions and there is elite. My opinion is like Islam is elite in UFC right now. Not many fighters can call them. There’s almost 700  fighters in UFC. Not all of them maybe 20, maybe 20 guys elite maybe. But I think little bit less than 20.”– Nurmagomedov concluded. 

Is Islam Makhachev close to getting a title shot?

Makhachev currently has one of the longest winning streaks in the lightweight division. He is undefeated since 2015 and stands number four on the 155lbs roster. However, the Dagestan native is yet to receive a title shot in his UFC career.

The 30-year-old has won his last three fights via a finish. And after his dominant win at UFC 267, Makhachev and his long-time friend Nurmagomedov demanded a title shot from the UFC.

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However, the promotion already had a viable contender for the title next. Hence, Makhachev is set for his next fight. He will take on Bobby Green at the main event of UFC Vegas 49. A win in this fight will surely cement his name for the title shot next.

What are your thoughts on Nurmagomedov saying Makhachev is an elite fighter? Do you think Makhachev will win against Green? Let us know in the comments below.