Watch: Khabib Nurmagomedov rallies Islam Makhachev and his team with a ROUSING speech ahead of UFC 280
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Khabib Nurmagomedov
UFC 280 will undoubtedly be a spectacle of an event. The card is stacked from top to bottom – fans are guaranteed to witness one of the best PPV events from the UFC in a while.
Despite the whole card being absolutely brimming with talent, the main event is without a shred of doubt, the fight everyone is most hyped for. Charles Oliveira, the number 1 contender among the lightweights takes on #4 Islam Makhachev.
The story has told itself till now – Charles Oliveira went through an unprecedented transformation to embark on an 11 fight win streak, beating the likes of Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. Meanwhile, in Islam Makhachev, people expect to find the greatest lightweight, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s natural heir to the throne.
As highly contested as the five rounds (or less!) will be, the planning for the fight begins months back. And this can be seen firsthand in a video from Will Harris’ documentary channel, The Anatomy of a Fighter. The documentary shows Khabib Nurmagomedov delivering a passionate speech to get his team, which includes Islam Makhachev, ready for their respective bouts.
Speaking about the vitality of discipline, he says, “There is always a weak link in the team that pulls the team down. Don’t be like that. Don’t be an anchor. Try to be a leader… Do not violate discipline…If you are like this in a team, then in society outside of sports, you will be the same.”
Related-Charles Oliveira’s 11 vs Islam Makhachev’s 10-fight win streak: Which one is more impressive?
Islam Makhachev has a chance to reinstate Dagestani dominance in the lightweight division
When Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Conor McGregor in 2018, and subsequently defended his belt against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, the world sat up to take notice of someone who exemplified discipline and dedication. Truly, the grappler’s domination was unheard of before. He retired at 29-0.
Since the hanging up of his gloves in 2020, the division has been taken over by Charles Oliveira. Although he is not champion, in lieu of making weight at UFC 274 at Justin Gaethje, he is considered by most to be the de facto 155-pound king.
Also Read- When Conor Mcgregor shared a post which described the changes in his physique over the years
Heading into next weekend’s PPV in Abu Dhabi, Islam Makhachev has a chance to change that. Although he hasn’t faced the likes of a Justin Gaethje or a Dustin Poirier yet, Makhachev has been wrecking his way through whoever the UFC places in front of him. Dan Hooker and Bobby Green are testaments to that.
When the two meet on the 22nd of October, fans can expect sparks to fly, and to see, Islam Makhachev giving it all to bring back the lightweight belt to Dagestan.
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Udayan Mukherjee
(382 Articles Published)