Khabib’s Protege & UFC Champion Islam Makhachev Sends “Strangler” UFC Vegas 66 Winner a Message

The UFC’s 2022 season came to a flawless conclusion with UFC Vegas 66. Although the event was not headlined with any title bout or any major UFC star, it still managed to encompass some memorable fights and victories. And one such fight that grabbed the most eyeballs was Said Nurmagomedov vs. Saidyokub Kakhramonov. The two-rounder, full-throttle battle between the two eventually ended in Said‘s favor. Kakhramonov did put up a good fight and absolutely dominated the first round. But the Russian was quick to turn the tables and made a comeback in the second round, and further ended the matter by putting Saidyokub Kakhramonov in a devastating guillotine choke. This earned the Russian many accolades from the UFC community, including one from the current UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.

Khabib‘s protégé was impressed by Said Nurmagomedov‘s grappling skills, which he explicitly mentioned in his congratulatory tweet.

Makhachev congratulates Said Nurmagomedov upon his submission victory

Said Nurmagomedov‘s grappling skills certainly impressed the reigning lightweight champion of the UFC, Islam Makhachev, who is one of the finest grapplers in the sport himself. It is not an easy job to please the member of Team Khabib with the display of grappling skills. But Said did it gracefully. Further, it earned him a special congratulatory message from Makhachev.

Makhachev wrote, “Said Strangler Nurmagomedov Congrats 👊”. And adding ‘Strangler’ in the name certainly shows how impressed he was with his fellow Russian fighter.

Read more: Fans React as Said Nurmagomedov Has His “Never Bet Against a Nurmagomedov” Moment With Insane Ninja Choke at UFC Vegas 66

On the other hand, Islam Makhachev is himself preparing for what could be the greatest challenge of his life. The pound-for-pound throne.

Islam Makhachev aims for the best P4P fighter title

After defeating Charles Oliveira, Makhachev now proudly stands as the rank two in the best pound-for-pound ranking. However, the 31-year-old isn’t looking to take a backseat just yet. He is now aiming to defeat the pound-for-pound king, Alexander Volkanovski.

The first and second P4P ranked UFC fighters are all set to square off against each other at UFC 284. This bout means a great deal to both the fighters. Volkanovski will be defending his throne as the rank 1 pound-for-pound fighter. Makhachev has Khabib‘s dream in line to fulfill and be the greatest in the world. It is going to be a war for both fighters.

Watch this story: From Appreciating Grappling Skills To Take On Fight Against Oliveira, Everything That Joe Rogan Said About Islam Makhachev

Who do you think would prevail at UFC 284? Would Makhachev become the new P4P king? Or will Volkanovski sustain his reign to be the greatest? Let us know in the comments below.