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Khabib Nurmagomedov had one of the greatest UFC careers in the lightweight division. The 35-year-old last fought in October 2020 when he beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. He officially retired in 2021 with an undefeated MMA record of 29-0. Nurmagomedov’s retirement paved the way for the current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, to win UFC gold.

The main reason for “The Eagle’s” retirement was in order to honor a promise he made to his mother after his father’s death. Both Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov have had a close bond, given that it was Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov who trained both fighters. Khabib’s father even stated that Nurmagomedov will give time for Makhachev to reign as champion. Despite not going against each other inside the cage, the two have been quite competitive elsewhere.

Khabib Nurmagomedov flaunts 2 wins over Makhachev

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Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have known each other since childhood. They share a bond like brothers would and even the Late Great Nurmagomedov Sr considered Makhachev like a son to him. With a bond similar to brothers, they are certainly competitive with each other.

Nurmagomedov recently posted a story on his Instagram page where he succeeded in beating Islam Makhachev on a soccer pitch. The caption posted by the retired undefeated UFC fighter revealed that he had won twice against the UFC lightweight champion. In the caption, he wrote, “@islam_makhachev Your last 2 meetings have been unsuccessful. Get it together already)).”

‘The Eagle’ may have a rivalry going on against Makhachev inside the soccer pitch. However, in MMA, he wishes for Makhachev to succeed him. He once even stated that he was confused, as he might’ve felt happier when Islam Makhachev won the UFC gold than the time when he won the UFC title.

 

Now that Khabib has successfully helped Islam Makhachev win the UFC championship after his retirement, the 35-year-old now aims to help another win the title.

Team Khabib’s next priority

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov successfully molded his son Khabib Nurmagomedov to become the most dominant fighter in the world by winning the UFC title. However, he passed away before he could see his other students win Gold in a major promotion, like the UFC. The Eagle, after his retirement, took upon the mantle to help his fellow brothers in the gym reach the Top.

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Now, he along with his team, sets his eyes on helping his cousin, UFC bantamweight Usman Nurmagomedov, become the next UFC world champion. Nurmagomedov’s coach, Javier Mendez, posted a picture on his Instagram with the caption, “First workout with young (Usman Nurmagomedov). next Father’s Plan Bantamweight Champ is coming soon.”

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A post shared by Javier Mendez (@akajav)

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Given the success of Team Khabib in the past, how likely are we to see Usman Nurmagomedov become the UFC Bantamweight champion? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Also Read: Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Unique Aspect Revealed as MMA Coach Justifies His Bond With Umar and Usman Nurmagomedov- “Never Seen This”