“I know you guys don’t like this,” Khabib Nurmagomedov shares video of Islam Makhachev explaining why their connection transcends rivalry

On his Instagram story, Khabib Nurmagomedov shares Islam Makhachev talking about their camaraderie.

“I know you guys don’t like this,” Khabib Nurmagomedov shares video of Islam Makhachev explaining why their connection transcends rivalry

Khabib Nurmagomedov posts Islam Makhchev on his Instagram story (Image via Imago)

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have a close relationship, but they are not biological brothers. They both hail from Dagestan, Russia, and have known each other well since their upbringing in the same region. Despite their similar appearances and the strong bond they share, they are not blood-related.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has over 35.9 Million followers on Instagram. He recently posted a reel on his Instagram story and wrote: 

I know you guys don't like this )))) @islam_makhachev.

The reel is of Islam Makhachev answering a question in Russian. There he highlights the strong bond he shares with Nurmagomedov. A reporter asked Islam why his friendship with Khabib Nurmagomedov stood the test of time. Islam Makhachev answered:

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We are connected by something else...if you treat your brother as a Muslim and love him as a Muslim brother then there can be a warm relationship.
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Islam said that if one is looking for some kind of benefit in a friend then it ends in enmity. But if one has a sincere relationship then such a relationship will not break. The reporter asked if he thinks Khabib would be sincerely happy if he beat him in the number of UFC title defenses. Islam replied confidently: 

I think 100%

Khabib and Islam’s connection is more akin to a brotherly bond, sharing a deep friendship and camaraderie. While they may not be related by blood, their shared background and experiences have forged a strong connection between them, both personally and professionally.

Dana White says Islam Makhachev will surpass Khabib Nurmagomedov

UFC CEO Dana White has high hopes for Dagestani fighters, especially Islam Makhachev. Dana White believes Islam Makhachev could go on a run that would surpass Khabib Nurmagomedov or any other fighter in the lightweight division.

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

Islam Makhachev knocked down UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. UFC CEO White recently praised Islam Makhachev and talked about his dominance in the fight and the division at the UFC 294 post-fight press conference. He said: 

I don’t know if he really lives in Khabib’s shadow… he keeps doing what he’s doing… (Makhachev) could go on a defense run that absolutely blows everybody away that ever held the belt in that division.

Islam Makhachev was supposed to defend his title at UFC 294 against Charles Oliveira in a highly anticipated rematch. However, Oliveira pulled out of the fight at the last minute citing a serious injury. Therefore, Alexander Volkanovski took up the fight from the featherweight division on really short notice. The fight ended three minutes into the first round when Islam Makhachev knocked down Alexander Volkanovski via a head kick.

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