Khabib Nurmagomedov has sent out a warning for the UFC locker room. At UFC 311, the former lightweight champion will be challenged like never before when he will have to corner not one, but two teammates, in UFC title fights. But ‘The Eagle’s confidence has not waivered one bit. If we are to go by his latest take, one of those title fights already has a foregone conclusion.

Nurmagomedov has now become the sparring partner, coach, and mentor to fellow Dagestanis including 155 lbs champion Islam Makhachev since the former’s retirement in 2020. And the preparations for the California PPV are in full swing. Taking to his Instagram, the 29-0-0 former fighter uploaded a picture on his Instagram where he and Makhachev can be seen sparring together. The lightweight kingpin was practicing his takedown with ‘The Eagle’ in the post captioned, “4 weeks before the storm,” a possible warning to Arman Tsarukyan.

Khabib Nurmagomedov then shared the same post on his Instagram story, but this time the caption revealed the goal that Islam Makhachev has set for himself. ‘The Eagle’s words when translated to English read, “His goal is to stay at the top for a long time.” If you’ve been following the camp, then you know they mean business.

Khabib and co. have added UFC legends Demetrious Johnson and Henry Cejudo, both former champions, to the camp. Their social media posts show training, and Makhachev posing with ‘Mighty Mouse’ and Khabib for a picture. As for Cejudo, he was seen sparring Umar Nurmagomedov in preparation for the former’s title bout against Merab Dvalishvili on the same card.

Well, it looks like Islam Makhachev is all set to rule the division that once saw his mentor as the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion ever. Maybe, he might also look to break Nurmagomedov’s record itself!

After all, Makhachev too has been following the path of ‘The Eagle’ by being the champion for over two years now, and there still seems to be no stopping him. With a win at UFC 311, Makhachev will surpass his predecessor in UFC lightweight title defenses. He’s tied with Khabib, BJ Penn, Frankie Edgar, and Benson Henderson at 3 defenses after the UFC 302 win against Dustin Poirier.

Under the guidance of Nurmagomedov, he seems to be all prepped up to face Arman Tsarukyan. But do you know there seems to be another similarity between the two that has been recently revealed by their head coach? Well, just like ‘The Eagle,’ his protégé too wishes to hang up his gloves in his prime.

Coach reveals Islam Makhachev’s retirement plan, similar to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s

Seen as something of a successor to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev could follow in his partner’s footsteps when the end of his career comes. According to trainer Javier Mendez, director of the ‘American Kickboxing Academy’ (AKA), the Russian already has plans to hang up his gloves and retire, despite still being in his prime, just as his compatriot did a few years ago.

In an interview with ‘Submission Radio,’ Javier Mendez said, “He’s going to probably do what Khabib [Nurmagomedov] did and retire at 35. Well, Khabib did it a lot earlier, but I think 35 is the magic number for these guys. They have that in their head, that 35 is the cutoff point. Some will go over, but I think Islam is already set financially; he’s done really well with his money, so I think it will probably be lights out after 35.”

This plan adds up. Why? Because the Dagestani camp has a lightweight waiting on the sidelines – Usman Nurmagomedov, the Bellator lightweight champion. The plan is for Usman to move to the UFC once Islam’s reign is done. “I’m waiting for Islam to finish his career and then I will [go after the UFC title].” Nurmagomedov said on Gorilla Fighting’s YouTube back in October. “I think if we get it right, we’ll be fighting in the UFC at 28. I’m 26 years old right now. Two years, I’ll get stronger and that’s it. Go into the UFC at 28 and compete until I’m 32.”

Khabib has said in interviews before that the early 30s are the prime for fighters, especially in the lower weight classes such as lightweight. He retired at 32, for personal reasons. Makhachev will likely stay in the game till 35, as per his coach. Then, Usman Nurmagomedov will step up to represent their dynasty.

‘Father’s plan,’  as they call it, in all it’s perfection and glory.

This must be shocking news for fans of Makhachev; however, seeing fighters like Tony Ferguson only makes one believe that it is better to walk away when the time is right. But what do you think? Should Makhachev also retire young? Let us know in the comments.