Khabib Nurmagomedov’s ‘Free’ Mentoring for Islam Makhachev Revealed by Manager Ali Abdelaziz

Controversial manager Ali Abdelaziz reveals how Khabib Nurmagomedov's brotherhood with Islam Makhachev knows no boundaries.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s ‘Free’ Mentoring for Islam Makhachev Revealed by Manager Ali Abdelaziz

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev (via MMA Fighting)

In Short
  • Khabib Nurmagomedov provided free mentoring to Islam Makhachev, focusing on rigorous training methods.
  • Nurmagomedov spent around $1 million on Makhachev's training camp leading up to UFC 280.
  • Makhachev's success, including becoming a two-division champion, is attributed to Khabib's ongoing guidance and support.

Khabib Nurmagomedov left a lasting mark on the UFC with an undefeated record and remarkable ground dominance over all his opponents. His success was built on strict discipline, which he still consistently shows while coaching athletes at Eagle MMA. Longtime manager Ali Abdelaziz recently revealed that ‘The Eagle’ did not charge any fee while training two‑division champion Islam Makhachev.

Makhachev and Nurmagomedov share a long history in combat sports, both hailing from Dagestan, Russia. Makhachev developed his skills under the guidance of UFC legend Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who emphasized wrestling, sambo, and disciplined training. Over the years, Khabib transitioned from fighter to mentor, applying the same rigorous methods he learned from his father.

Abdelaziz has been a key part of managing both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev under his Dominance MMA agency. He guided Khabib through his undefeated run and supported Makhachev during his dominant lightweight and welterweight outings. Over time, Abdelaziz became a trusted member of their training group, leading him to comment on Khabib’s unpaid coaching of Makhachev.

Their legacies complete each other. There’s no competition between them. When Khabib comes to camp, he’s not making money, he’s not taking a percentage – he’s spending his own money to help his brother.

Ali Abdelaziz via TMZ Sports

By the time Makhachev began dominating the lightweight ranks, Nurmagomedov had already retired, allowing him to fully focus on coaching without distractions. His impact was first widely noted when he guided Makhachev to a Kimura submission victory over Dan Hooker at UFC 267 in 2021. Since that bout, the former champion has consistently been in his fellow Dagestani’s corner for every match.

The ‘Eagle’ broke barriers by spending around $1 million on Makhachev’s training camp leading up to UFC 280, where the 31-year-old won the lightweight title by submitting a prime Charles Oliveira. Nurmagomedov’s impact was also clear when Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to claim the welterweight belt, becoming the 11th two‑division champion in UFC history.

Many in the MMA community now view Makhachev’s accomplishments, including becoming a two‑division champion, as surpassing Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy. However, there is no doubt that the retired UFC legend will continue to remain in Makhachev’s corner. The Eagle’s guidance is expected to play a key role as Islam Makhachev prepares to face the highly competitive 170‑pound division.

PFL champion reveals how Khabib Nurmagomedov’s training is mirroring his legendary father

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov trained his son, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and other students under extremely rigorous conditions in the mountains of Dagestan. His programs included drills on a jungle gym he personally built, early-morning sessions at high altitudes, and wrestling exercises that occasionally involved young bears. These methods combined endurance and adaptability to harsh environments.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (via ESPN)

Usman Nurmagomedov has been building his career outside the UFC as a top lightweight fighter. He became the Bellator lightweight champion and recently defended the PFL lightweight title by defeating Paul Hughes at PFL Champions Series 2 in October 2025. Usman developed an undefeated record while training under Khabib, crediting him for shaping his approach in the cage.

I would compare Khabib’s role with Uncle Abdulmanap. He always takes center stage, he gives assignments, he knows what a fighter should go through, and he knows how much a man should work out. Because when we train on our own -I know it from my own experience – you may think you have done enough work, but when Khabib is next to you, with all his experience, he pushes you to your very limits.

Usman Nurmagomedov via Red Corner MMA

Khabib Nurmagomedov has already highlighted Usman Nurmagomedov’s potential impact if he enters the UFC lightweight division. His guidance and training methods, rooted in Abdulmanap’s rigorous system, have prepared Usman to compete at the highest level. If he joins the UFC, the undefeated lightweight legend’s mentorship is expected to play a major role in his success.

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