Islam Makhachev is set to defend his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier in a highly anticipated main event at UFC 302 on June 2nd, 2024. Neither fighter intends to leave any room for error, and it is Dustin Poirier’s final shot at lightweight gold.

Following the passing of Islam Mkahchev’s longtime coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and coach Javier Mandez have become his primary training partners. Recent social media posts show Khabib training Islam, leading many to believe he’s heavily influenced by Khabib’s techniques which got the attention of Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo.

Does Khabib Nurmagomdeov control Islam Makhachev?

The UFC fans have often seen Khabib Nurmagomedov supporting Islam Makhachev in his corner during prominent fights acting almost like a coach. This has sparked discussion on Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo’s podcast, “Pound for Pound, “where they debated how frequently Islam Makhachev follows Khabib’s advice.

In their podcast, Kamaru Usman predicted Dustin Poirier, ” The Diamond, “could dominate the fight. However, Henry Cejudo favors Islam Makhachev, emphasizing his belief that Makhachev will dominate. Cejudo explained, “I can completely see Islam dominating. Yeah, I can see Islam stopping him. I don’t think Dustin will get into the championship rounds. And I like Dustin, this is not a knock on him.” He later added his reason for betting on Makhachev is because he has more will to fight, whereas “The Diamond” has already hinted that this might be his last fight.

Henry Cejudo continued, suggesting Khabib Nurmagomedov has a blueprint for everyone, including Makhachev. “Khabib’s already his controller,” Cejudo said. ” Like, whatever Khabib says, this dude’s doing. He is going to follow the blueprint of his, you know, quote-unquote, his brother. So, I don’t think Poirier gets into the championship rounds with his.”

Discussion about Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s relationship often draws attention whenever Makhachev has a big fight. Makhachev has previously admitted his deep respect for The Eagle and explained that he follows Nurmagomedov’s guidance in fighting. However, he has also emphasized that Khabib Nurmagomedov is not his boss; rather, they are friends, as discussed on the Pound-for-pound podcast.

Makhachev reveals the genesis of his relationship with Nurmagomedov

Not every strong relationship requires blood ties. Loyalty and shared experiences can forge powerful bonds, as evidenced by the close relationship between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev in the UFC. Despite not being blood relatives, their bond is undeniable.

In his latest appearance on the podcast “Pound for Pound” with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Makhachev revealed how long he’s known Khabib. He said, ” 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.”

Makhachev continued, reminiscing about his childhood and the time he spent training with Abubakar and Khabib Nurmagomedov. He explained that they had trained him in striking for many years and also became travel partners, competing across Russia. Russia. The fighter revealed that Nurmagomedov is like family to him. This close bond is evident in viral videos online showing Islam Makahachev training with Khabib Nurmagomedov providing instructions nearby.

Do you agree with Henry Cejudo’s statements that Khabib Nurmagomedov is controlling Islam Makhachev?