“Will Khabib Be in Islam’s Corner?” – Makhachev Hints at Starting Training Camp for Dustin Poirier Fight at UFC 302; Fans React

Islam Makhachev will defend his title against a ranked lightweight for the first time at UFC 302. He seems to have started his training camp for the big-time fight as he posted a photo on Instagram with his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. The post has led many fans to speculate if ‘The Eagle’ is coming back to help Makhachev.

Despite Arman Tsarukyan‘s win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in a title eliminator of sorts, Dana White decided to give Dustin Poirier a crack at the title first. ‘The Diamond’ has never been the undisputed champion, but he earned the right to fight for the title after beating Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299. However, things may not be easy for Poirier especially if Islam Makhachev is getting his game plan from ‘Coach Khabib.’

The reigning UFC lightweight champion shared a photo on Instagram of him, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Bellator fighter Islam Mamedov. The trio was sitting on a bike and had two paintings in the background. Islam Makhachev captioned the post: “Road to New Jersey [UFC 302,” indicating he was well in his training camp for the Dustin Poirier fight, which will take place in just over a month’s time.

Fans were excited when they came across Makhachev’s post. Why wouldn’t they be? Every social media appearance ‘The Eagle’ makes with a teammate, questions fly about his being in their corner. It was no different this time and fans wanted to know if Khabib Nurmagomedov would be present at UFC 302!

Will ‘Coach’ Khabib corner Islam Makhachev at UFC 302?

The first want to see Khabib Nurmagomedov be there for his protégé when he squares off against Dustin Poirier. They believe that ‘The Eagle’s experience could help the champion take on the 30-fight UFC veteran. One fan asked, “Will Khabib be in Islam’s corner..?”

At UFC 242, Poirier almost beat Khabib after locking in a deep guillotine. So, Khabib’s tips and suggestions could work wonders and add to his protégé’s confidence at UFC 302. He stated, “Khabib has to be in your corner Islam!!”

One fan claimed that Khabib Nurmagomedov is a “cheat code” for Islam Makhachev. This was an ode to the time when Islam Makhachev edged past all of his opponents while having his mentor in his corner. The 32-year-old’s fans and followers want to see him continue his title reign and beat a big name like Dustin Porier, which will add to his already impressive resume. “Knock out the diamond,” one fan commented.

A couple of fans claimed that Khabib and Islam are already legends One of them wrote, “Both legends one frame” while the other said, “The best duo.” Thinking back to one of Makhachev’s hilarious Octagon interviews, one fan suggested that the reigning champion should fight former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. “Next fight Brock Lesnar.”

Islam Makhachev registered a dominant win over Alexander Volkanovski in their rematch. However, there is a strong argument that it was not a definitive win since ‘Volk’ took that fight on short notice. Besides, when Makhachev fought the Aussie star for the first time, he seemed to struggle, which was also the first time that Khabib Nurmagomedov’s absence was felt. Will that be a factor against Dustin Poirier? We will have to wait and see what goes down on June 1.