While Khabib Nurmagomedov has played a massive part in guiding Islam Makhachev to UFC superstardom, there’s another man whom the reigning lightweight champion attributes his success to.
On June 1, the 155-pound King will defend his world title in an eagerly anticipated collision with Dustin Poirier at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, USA.
Islam Makhachev reveals his biggest inspiration ahead of UFC 302
Born in Dagestan, Russia, Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov competed against sambo’s most formidable grapplers, forging their bond in fire as they scratched and clawed their way to the pinnacle of the UFC mountain.
Standing as brothers in arms, the pair went above and beyond, doing everything in their power to help each other reach the goal they once set as children.
Blessed with a remarkable skill set and an unrelenting will to win, the duo have achieved everything they ever set out to do, with Khabib writing his name into the history books in 2018, before eventually walking away from the sport to open the door for his dear friend to reach the same dazzling heights.
On October 22, 2022, in front of his adoring fans in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and with his lifelong pal in the corner, Makhachev, finally proved his class, submitting Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Charles Oliveira, in a performance worthy of the highest of praise.
From growing up in Eastern Europe with nothing but a pipe dream, the pair of remarkable athletes have proven that no ambition is too big. However, while Khabib undeniably played a huge role in his friend’s rise to the top, there’s one other man whom Makhachev believes deserves an enormous amount of credit.
The 32-year-old has revealed that without his fellow champion’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, he wouldn’t have become the man he is today.
Speaking during the UFC 302 Countdown Show, Makhachev said: “I gave the belt to Khabib [Nurmagomedov] because I know who made me. Him and his father [Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov].”
Having taken an awe-inspiring 18 fighters to Combat Sambo world championship glory, the esteemed coach has undoubtedly left an impact that will live long in the memory.
And while the icon is no longer with us, he’ll be in Makhachev’s corner in spirit, when his protégé takes on Poirier in one of the biggest fights of the year.
Khabib sparks comeback rumors with intense training footage ahead of UFC 302
When Khabib said goodbye to the sport, while still at the peak of his powers, he left the world desperate for more – clearly still capable of running through the lightweight division, ‘The Eagle’ could’ve put together a resume akin to the great Anderson Silva.
But with his beloved father gone, the legend realized there’s more to life than mere combat, and rode off into the sunset with his head held high.
However, while Khabib is adamant his time in the limelight has come to an end, it hasn’t stopped UFC enthusiasts from calling for a comeback.
There’s an army of fans still desperate to see the undefeated athlete battle it out with Georges St-Pierre, while others are keen to watch the grappler put on another clinic against Conor McGregor. But regardless of whether Khabib ever comes back or not, it’s clear he’s still just as dangerous now as he was in his prime.
Sending the combat sports community into a social media frenzy, the Hall of Famer posted a clip of himself hammering the heavy bag, showcasing the very same right hand that sent ‘The Notorious’ crashing towards the canvas.
Therefore, while McGregor is still desperate to goad Khabib back into the cage for his shot at redemption, his chances of pulling off an upset look slim.
Regardless, while the Irishman is still fixated on his nemesis, Khabib has moved on. Right now, his only focus is ensuring that Makhachev emerges victorious this weekend.