Throwback to the time when Dana White laughed at Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov for saying this
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Dana White and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
Over the last 5 or so years, Dagestan has cemented itself as the birthplace of the world’s greatest fighters. With Khabib Nurmagomedov’s immaculate run ending and Islam Makhachev rising to the top, Dagestan is still going strong. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s father, trainer, and mentor was one of the key players in establishing the Dagestani dominance in MMA.
With many of his students becoming champions of various combat sports organizations, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was one of the greatest coaches in combat sports history. So it came as a surprise to everyone when an old video surfaced of Nurmagomedov explaining that Dana White laughed at him for saying this: “When I spoke in America with Dana, he was still in doubt. I told him we’ll be the best and for a long time. What he laughed at. We will be here and we will be champions for a long time in this weight.”
It turns out the one who should have been laughed at was Dana White for not realizing what he had in front of him. Khabib’s father’s students went on to dominate the UFC as soon as they got there. His two brightest lightweight prospects combined have only lost once and they have become lightweight champions.
With Islam’s demolition of Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, it seems like his reign of terror as lightweight king is just beginning. Khabib’s father sure had an eye for talent and acumen as a coach to back it up. He will be remembered as the greatest coach in the UFC’s illustrious history.
Islam Makhachev posted a touching tribute to Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov who always believed he’d be champion
Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion of the world, was born in Dagestan. He trained in Khabib’s father’s academy and grew up as almost a sibling to Khabib. He certainly owes a lot to Khabib’s father who saw him as a son.
With Khabib’s retirement in 2021, Islam Makhachev started gunning for the lightweight title. However, Abdulmanap’s death in the same year meant Islam could never share that moment with him. So after his dominant win at UFC 280, Makhachev posted a heartfelt tribute to his late coach, mentor, and father figure.
He stated, “Throughout my career he believed in me and told me that I would be a champion, that I just needed to practice. And today, when I became a champion, I would really like to put this belt on my coach, in the octagon. If you were by my side, it would have been a more meaningful victory for me. May the Almighty grant you the highest rank of Paradise coach.“
It is a really heartwarming gesture from Islam’s side and will help endear him to UFC fans. With a fight against P4P Alexander Volkanovski coming up, he will need all the support he can get.
Also Read: “I need a break” – Charles Oliveira confirms much anticipated fight at UFC Brazil will NOT HAPPEN
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