Khabib Nurmagomedov gives emotional message to brothers ahead of tiring UFC 311
Khabib Nurmagomedov sends a final message to three teammates competing at UFC 311 PPV, including Islam Makhachev.
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Khabib Nurmagomedov pens heartfelt meesage to Islam Makhachev an Co. for UFC 311 (Source: IMAGO/YT)
The legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov has had a tough start to UFC 311 PPV Fight Week. Subsequently, it hasn’t got much easier. Nurmagomedov ends the PPV (Pay-per-view) offering tonight, siding with event headliner Islam Makhachev. But whatever the circumstances, coach has to coach.
“The Eagle” is on a tough bend where an airline turfed him on his way to the fight. Following Arman Tsarukyan’s withdrawal, Nurmagomedov also has to prep Islam Makhachev for a new opponent. This time, he also has three fighters under his wings. Coach Khabib had a heartfelt message for them all.
Hard work ahead tomorrow, these brothers I grew up with and have been by my side all my life, …They are also a big reason for my success in sports and my love for them for the sake of Allah is limitless. I will give everything I have – the main thing is that everything is good for them…
Khabib Nurmagomedov via IG (@khabib_nurmagomedov), after UFC 311 weigh-ins
Khabib Nurmagomedov has three teammates competing in tonight’s UFC Pay-Per-View; including early prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET. Flyweight Tagir Ulanbekov takes on Clayton Carpenter to kick off the night. Then, Islam Makhachev makes the walk at 12:45 a.m. ET (9:45 p.m. locally in Los Angeles) for the main event. He faces new entry Renato Moicano for the matter. Additionally, one must not forget cousin Umar Nurmagomedov.
Khabib has cornered friends and family before as well. But cornering Umar comes with its own perils. The UFC 135-pound top seed faces the frenetic funnyman champ Merab Dvalishvili. The Georgian has been hellbent on getting some moniker of humbleness out of the Nurmagomedov cousin he calls undeserving. The duo have had some charged interactions due to it. All in all, coach Khabib has a tough night ahead. It may end up being something he can one day tell tales about.
Khabib Nurmagomedov on whether it was harder to train or coach for the Dustin Poirier challenge
Khabib Nurmagomedov is looking for an easy 3-0 sweep out of his coaching stint, if the stars align right. The legendary former fighter certainly has the tide on his side. All three of his UFC 311 teammates are listed as moderate to heavy money line betting faves. Islam Makhachev alone is a mammoth -1100 betting fave at midday, per Draftking Sportbooks. But Khabib, more than anyone, knows the fickle nature of the fight game. Coaching does not come easy; neither does fighting.
Sometimes, those two even collide for veterans like Nurmagomedov when the opponent is Dustin Poirier. UFC lightweight champion Makhachev’s most recent title defense came in a fifth-round submission of Poirier. Khabib also submitted him at UFC 242, in his failed title bid. However, he stated fighting “Diamond” was much easier than cornering against him.
Outside and inside cage? Inside was much better, …When I was inside, I don’t have to talk. Inside the cage when I was with Dustin, a couple of times I remember I talked with him…But when I was outside with Islam, like, almost 25 minutes I was just talking. I cannot do nothing. I don’t like this, to be honest, but it was an amazing fight. It was an amazing fight for fans. Amazing finish in the fifth round and very good experience for Islam.
Khabib Nurmagomedov to ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto for UFC 311 Media availability sitdown
Coach Javier Mendez called Poirier Makhachev’s toughest fight yet. Just based on the skill-to-skill technicality, Khabib agrees. But more so because the coaching anticipation for him is a much different experience than in the octagon. For now, the team has its sights set elsewhere. Makhachev will be looking to break Nurmagomedov’s record for most lightweight title defenses at UFC 311.
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