What Is Islam Makhachev’s Relationship With Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Islam Makhachev is currently one of the biggest names in the UFC. The fighter is on a winning streak right now and seems to be unstoppable in his stride to greatness. The Dagestani fighter currently holds a fight record of 25 wins and 1 loss to his name. Prior to his MMA career, Islam Makhachev was a Combat Sambo World Champion. At UFC 302, he is going to face Dustin Poirier in his third title defense.

Islam Makhachev has been a longtime teammate and friend of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. Islam has stated numerous times to the media that he aspires to be like his friend Nurmagomedov, and the two have a great deal of respect for one another. ‘The Eagle’ and Islam have always been present for each other’s fights to support each other in their corner. After his retirement from the sport last year, Khabib has taken on the role of a trainer for Makhachev.

READ MORE: Islam Makhachev Accepts Five Rounds War Instead of a Three Round Battle Against Dan Hooker.

How close are Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev?

Despite their similar appearances, the two fighters are not biologically related. Islam and Khabib grew up together in the republic of Dagestan. Both fighters began their careers together under the guidance of Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

The two fighters share a special bond and have frequently expressed their support for one another to the media. It is said that Makhachev intentionally did not increase his weight above the 155-pound limit because he did not want to fight against Nurmagomedov.

When Khabib retired from the UFC last year, he stated that Islam would take his place in the division next. It is not wrong to predict that Islam will thrive in the lightweight division under Khabib’s leadership. According to Khabib, Islam is among the top ten pound-for-pound fighters.

Islam has also frequently praised Nurmagomedov. During a press conference, he stated, “I wanna be like Khabib, you know. He is great man, you know. He’s a champion, he have lot of money now, lot of everything, but he’s still humble guy.” Despite the fact that they are not biological brothers, they share a bond similar to that of biological brothers.

Why was Khabib not at Islam’s last fight?

‘The Eagle’ retired back in March 2021, after successfully defending his title against Justin Gaethje. Despite this, fans got to see the undefeated fighter in Makhachev’s corner for a long time. However, he opted for a complete break from MMA in January 2023, and stepped away from coaching the current UFC lightweight champion. Nurmagomedov was not seen in Makhachev’s corner in the latter’s UFC 284 fight. Similarly, he wasn’t there at the UFC 294 PPV.

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Will the fans ever see Khabib Nurmagomedov in Islam Makhachev’s corner? Only time will tell. What are your opinions about this? Let us know in the comments below.