Khabib Nurmagomedov already stressing as ‘brothers’ Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov fight at UFC 311

Khabib Nurmagomedov's fellow fighters Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov are set to compete in championship fights at UFC 311.

Khabib Nurmagomedov already stressing as ‘brothers’ Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov fight at UFC 311

Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts to his brothers, Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov fighting on the same card (Image via Imago/X)

After Khabib Nurmagomedov’s time in the UFC, the promotion is currently thriving with some of the top MMA fighters from Dagestan. Notable names include Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, and Umar Nurmagomedov, the undefeated UFC bantamweight contender. Interestingly, UFC’s recent announcement regarding Umar and Islam’s upcoming fight has even sparked a reaction from Khabib.

After retiring from competition, Khabib Nurmagomedov now trains fellow Dagestani fighters. He has achieved an impressive record as a coach. Last night, UFC CEO Dana White announced the fight card for UFC 311, featuring Makhachev in the main event and Umar in the co-main event. Interestingly, despite Khabib’s typically calm demeanor, he appeared stressed following this recent announcement.

Two title fights at once I think it’s never happened before, or hasn’t happened until now. What a night is waiting for me. I hope I’ll survive.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via Instagram story (@khabib_nurmagomedov)
YouTube video

Makhachev is set to face the #1 ranked fighter in his division, Arman Tsarukyan, in a highly anticipated rematch. In their previous encounter, the lightweight champion emerged victorious. However, Tsarukyan has vastly improve and remains confident in his ability to outsmart Makhachev this time. Khabib, who is well aware of Tsarukyan’s recent performance, might be feeling the pressure leading up to the fight.

FS Video

Meanwhile, another fighter from Team Khabib, Umar, is preparing for the toughest challenge of his UFC career so far. The ‘Young Eagle’, who has long sought a title shot, will face the bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311. Khabib himself believes that Umar is a deserving contender for the title and has expressed his support for him.

Notably, both fights will take place back-to-back, with Umar featured as the co-main event and Islam featured in the main event. This consecutive lineup of fights might add extra pressure for Coach Khabib, as there is a lot at stake for his fighters.

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Who is the better fighter between Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov?

After retiring, Khabib Nurmagomedov vacated his UFC lightweight championship. However, it didn’t take long for another Dagestani fighter to rise to the top of the UFC lightweight division. Islam Makhachev defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 to become the new champion. Since then, Makhachev has yet to be dethroned as the lightweight king.

Team Khabib at UFC
Team Khabib at UFC (Image via X)

Like Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov is another top MMA fighter from Team Khabib who made his debut in 2021. Since then, he has impressed everyone with his dominating performances. Recently, Daniel Cormier, a close ally of Team Khabib, discussed the differences between the two fighters. Cormier provided an assessment of their skill sets, focusing on Makhachev and Umar as fighters.

When we talk about skills, I think Umar (Nurmagomedov), you know, I felt like Islam (Makhachev) was the next version of Khabib. He possessed the same type of wrestling skill and grappling, but he was just a little bit cleaner, better striker. I think Umar is the next level of that, right, where he possesses the striking, he possesses the wrestling. But he’s also got great grappling and his striking, he can do more. Whereas Islam’s not spinning. Islam’s not doing those kind of weird, diverse kicks.

Daniel Cormier via ESPN MMA
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Interestingly, Cormier isn’t the only one who believes that Umar is one of the best fighters in the promotion. Even Khabib himself has expressed confidence in his fighters, stating that the Dagestanis have the potential to dominate in the promotion. It will be intriguing to see how both Makhachev and Umar perform in their championship fights at UFC 311.

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