“One day it can all vanish,” Khabib Nurmagomedov pays tribute to Islam Makhachev celebrating shared roots and joint conquest of P4P throne

Khabib Nurmagomedov sends sincere message to Islam Makhachev after Makhachev became the UFC's top pound-for-pound fighter.

“One day it can all vanish,” Khabib Nurmagomedov pays tribute to Islam Makhachev celebrating shared roots and joint conquest of P4P throne

Khabib wishes Islam after he becomes number one pound for pound fighter (Image via Imago)

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has outshone Jon Jones in the UFC rankings. Makhachev has secured the top spot as the top pound-for-pound fighter. The UFC acknowledged Makhachev by updating its rankings, where he now stands ahead of Jones.

Khabib Nurmagomedov took to social media to share his thoughts on Islam’s rise in the pound-for-pound rankings. On his Instagram page, Khabib posted a photo alongside Islam. He wrote that it’s a very rare case that both fighters are raised by the same coach.

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It’s an unprecedented case when two fighters, raised from childhood by the same coach, in the same city, in the same gym, trained side-by-side for a long time – become singleweight champions in the best league in the world @ufc…but wallaghi it’s all a test and test from Almighty and one day it can all vanish as if nothing happened....
Khabib Nurmagomedov

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Khabib went on to say that it is just the beginning. He wrote that Islam Makhachev would continue to etch his name in the annals of history. Moreover, the 35-year-old wrote that sometimes one may get carried away with their achievements, but one should remember that it is all a test from the Almighty. It can all disappear as swiftly as it came.

Islam Makhachev impressively defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. There he achieved a first-round knockout via a headkick. Makhachev initially held the second position in the pound-for-pound rankings. However, he has now officially claimed the top spot in the latest UFC men’s P4P rankings, surpassing Jon Jones.

[realated_content] Related: “He’s better than Jones” – Islam Makhachev FINALLY overtakes Jon Jones to become P4P best leaving Twitter abuzz

Dana White on Islam Makhachev surpassing Khabib Nurmagomedov

Dana White has often spoken highly of Khabib Nurmagomedov. But the praises have now extended to Islam Makhachev as well. In the UFC 294 main event held in Abu Dhabi, Islam Makhachev made a resounding statement by knocking out featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in the first round.

Dana White
Dana White praises Islam Makhachev ( Image via Alex Buhunin on X )

Following this impressive victory, UFC CEO Dana White rejected the notion that Makhachev living forever in Khabib’s shadow. It was Khabib who had retired and vacated the lightweight belt in 2020, ultimately paving the way for Makhachev’s rise to the top. Dana White spoke at the UFC 294 post-event press conference at Etihad Arena.

I don’t know if he really lives in Khabib’s shadow… The guy’s been dominant…It doesn’t get any better than that against a very tough, durable guy who has a great chin. You don’t ever see anybody do that to Volkanovski.
Dana White

White’s belief was that Islam Makhachev had the potential to eventually surpass Khabib Nurmagomedov as the best in the 155-pound division. According to White, it all comes down to Makhachev’s relentless pursuit. He envisioned a future where the latter’s title defense run could outshine even Khabib’s impressive achievements in the division. While acknowledging Khabib’s accomplishments, White envisioned Makhachev achieving even greater heights.

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