(Video) Islam Makhachev exposes Khabib Nurmagomedov’s hilarious confrontation in gym

UFC pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev shares a video of coach Khabib Nurmagomedov from their training camp. 

(Video) Islam Makhachev exposes Khabib Nurmagomedov’s hilarious confrontation in gym

Islam Makhachev shares clips from training camp featuring Khabib Nurmagomedov (via Imago/X)

Islam Makhachev is the current UFC pound-for-pound king, showcasing his dominance through incredible performances in multiple high-stakes fights. He has learned everything from Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abdulmanap, whose coaching created one of MMA’s most effective and disciplined systems. Much of Makhachev’s success stems from their strong team bond, mutual respect, and the relentless work ethic they instilled.

After retiring from the UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov fully embraced coaching, dedicating his time to training and mentoring young fighters. He oversees several rising talents, maintaining a daily schedule filled with intense sessions, strategy planning, and constant skill development for his team. Known for his strict style, a recent video from Makhachev highlighted just how serious and demanding Nurmagomedov truly is.

In the video, Nurmagomedov can be heard having a discussion with UFC flyweight prospect Tagir Ulanbekov about a training schedule. The ‘Eagle’ addressed the whole team about their timetable and also scolded Ulanbekov for oversleeping. Though it was all fun and everybody was laughing, the intensity of training was clearly visible. 

Nurmagomedov has always believed that training should be harder than the actual fight to build true mental toughness. He pushed himself and his teammates beyond limits during camp, simulating worst-case scenarios to ensure they were ready for any challenge ahead. This mindset created champions, forging discipline, grit, and resilience that often overwhelmed opponents before the fight even began.

In a sport where injuries and cuts are so often, in his 29-fight professional career, Nurmagomedov never got a single cut. However, all his injuries happened in training, explaining his unparalleled dominance inside the octagon. For Makhachev, training with Nurmagomedov has been hard, but it has helped him the most.

Islam Makhachev explains training with Khabib Nurmagomedov 

The relationship between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev began in Dagestan, where they trained together under Abdulmanap’s disciplined guidance. From a young age, they developed a brotherly bond built on trust, respect, and countless hours spent wrestling, sparring, and learning techniques. Abdulmanap saw great potential in Makhachev and mentored him closely, often alongside Nurmagomedov, forming a powerful foundation for greatness.

Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov's relationship
Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s relationship (via X)

As Nurmagomedov rose to UFC stardom, he brought Makhachev along, ensuring his training partner received the same elite-level preparation and exposure. Their journey reflects loyalty, hard work, and shared dreams, making them one of MMA’s most respected fighter-coach duos. In an interview with Demetrious Johnson, the lightweight king once shared his experience training under the ‘Eagle’. 

When Khabib is with us in the camp you don’t have too much options…12 rounds with the boxing bags and after everybody run. It’s not easy. This guy, he don’t know any other way. Just one way, hard work. 

Islam Makhachev via Demetrious Johnson’s YouTube channel 

Nurmagomedov reportedly spent over a million dollars to ensure Makhachev had a perfect UFC 280 training camp. He mostly covers travel, accommodations, elite sparring partners, nutritionists, and every detail needed to give Islam the absolute best chance of success. He often supports other teammates similarly, investing time, resources, and experience to elevate the entire team to greatness.

Is Islam Makhachev better than Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Some consider Islam Makhachev better than Khabib Nurmagomedov due to his more advanced striking and complete MMA arsenal. Unlike Nurmagomedov, Makhachev employs a broader range of kicks, feints, and angles that confuse and damage opponents standing up. Makhachev’s submission game is more fluid, and he consistently finishes elite fighters with armbars, kimuras, and chokes under intense pressure. 

Islam Makhachev dominates in the current UFC
Islam Makhachev dominates in the current UFC (via X)

While Nurmagomedov relied mostly on ground control, Makhachev mixes in submissions and striking for a more dynamic offensive approach. Makhachev has defeated more champions and top contenders with greater variety and dominance, making him arguably more successful than Nurmagomedov.