How Are Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov Related?

Islam Makhachev got his opponent at the last minute when Arman Tsarukyan was rendered injured just a day before UFC 311. Now, Renato Moicano has stepped up to take the Armenian’s place. Still, Makhachev claimed that the change in opponent didn’t matter to him as he had Khabib Nurmagomedov by his side during the ceremonial weigh-in.

‘The Eagle’ has been a constant presence in Islam Makhachev’s corner in most of his fights. This makes fans wonder about the relationship between the two lightweight legends. So are they brothers? Well, let’s find out.

Are Khabib and Islam brothers?

Despite similarities in their speech and conduct, Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov are not biologically related. The lightweight champion’s real brother is Kurban Ismail, who is his only sibling. Meanwhile, Khabib also has a brother, Muhammad Nurmagomedov who is one of his two siblings.

Also, it is important to remember that Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov were born in different regions. While the reigning champion was born and bred in a city, i.e., Makhachkala, the former champion was born in a small village called Sildi – but both represent the Republic of Dagestan.

The two fighters grew up together in the Republic of Dagestan, where the seeds of their friendship were sown. Let’s take a look at that front.

How did Khabib and Islam meet?

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev went to the same school, growing up. Being three years younger than ‘The Eagle’, Makhachev was introduced to him in 2000 by their common friend Shamil Zavurov, after the lightweight champion expressed an interest in training with the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. The rest, as they say, is history with more than two decades of grinding effort resulting in Khabib and Islam becoming dominant UFC champions.

When Khabib retired from active fighting in 2020, he stated that Islam Makhachev would take his place in the division next. And he wasn’t wrong as the 26-1 star would go on to become champion two years later. ‘The Eagle’ set the precedent while Makhachev has been continuing that legacy. 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.” Even though they are not biological brothers, they share a bond similar to that of biological brothers.

‘The Eagle’ officially retired from the sport altogether back in March 2021, after successfully defending his title against Justin Gaethje the year before. Despite not actively fighting, Nurmagomedov is often seen training, and in the corner of Makhachev. However, there was a time when 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, but then he returned for UFC 302 and the story is the same for UFC 311.

Nevertheless, Do you think Khabib being in Islam Makhachev’s corner gives the champion an edge this Saturday? Only time will tell. Let us know your opinion in the comments below.