‘MMA Royalties’ Khabib Nurmagomedov, Fedor Emelianenko, and Islam Makhachev link up has internet buzzing: “Hang it in the Louvre”

Khabib Nurmagomedov was recently at the PFL Dubai event to coach his cousin Usman Nurmagomedov. Apart from the retired UFC legend, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev also traveled to support their teammate. Given the star power, PFL made sure to utilize the hype and gave fight fans a night time remember.  

While there were many MMA legends at the event, one particular meeting caught the attention of many fans. Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev met with Russian MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. The trio clicked a few pictures together, which went viral on the internet. The three fighters could hold the spots for a potential Mount Rushmore featuring Russian MMA fighters.  

Emelianenko, in his prime, dominated MMA with a 27-fight win streak, showcasing elite striking, grappling, and unmatched adaptability. Known as ‘The Last Emperor,’ his calm demeanor and ability to defeat world-class opponents inspired generations of fighters. His legacy as one of MMA’s greatest heavyweights is defined by humility, resilience, and extraordinary success across eras.

Being Russian, Nurmagomedov and Makhachev are huge fans of the fighter. According to the ‘Eagle’, Emelianenko is one the GOATs of MMA. The heavyweight legend cornered streaking Russian fighter Vadim Nemkov at the PFL Dubai event. Team Khabib also received similar respect from the MMA legend. All this was enough to make fans go crazy about the linkup.

Fight fans react to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev’s meet with Fedor Emelianenko

Khabib Nurmagomedov had a successful night as coach Usman Nurmagomedov defeated his opponent Paul Hughes via majority decision. It was a close fight and attracted some controversy due to the result. Conor McGregor jumped in and protested that his fellow countryman had won the fight.

However, after the fight, the mutual respect between both teams was quite visible. Given the Dagestan vs. Ireland rivalry, Khabib made sure to settle the beef after the fight. Nevertheless, here are reactions from the former UFC lightweight champion’s link-up with Fedor Emelianenko.

As expected there were some respectful comments about Khabib Nurmagomedov and Fedor Emelianenko being the GOATs of their respective divisions. There were many hilarious comments on how despite being so much difference in their weight classes they looked similar in size. some fabs also made fun of Islam Makhachev wearing a Bellator shirt despite being a UFC champion.

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