“The bond is unbreakable” – UFC 280 star Islam Makhachev gets real about his friendship with Khabib Nurmagomedov
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Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov
Nothing can break the bond that Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov share. The two Dagestani fighters have known each other for almost their entire life and Makhachev believes they have an unconditional friendship.
It is tough to prioritize your friendships in the fight business. Throughout the years we have seen several fighters break their friendships over fighting. Rarely have we seen two fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev continue their strong friendship despite fighting in the same division.
Ahead of UFC 280, Makhachev speaks on his friendship with the former lightweight champion and compares it to those of Jon Jones – Rashad Evans, TJ Dillashaw – Cody Garbrandt, and others. “Their friendships were tied in common interests,” said Makhachev.
“We are bound by something way different. At first, their relationships were mutually beneficial then they became enemies. If you see your brother as a fellow Muslim you’ll have a good relationship for life,” added the lightweight fighter. With him chasing the lightweight gold, Makhachev believes Nurmagomedov will be “100 percent” happy if he broke his title defense record.
Why Khabib-Islam friendship is forever unlike some other fake friendships in UFC ? ???? pic.twitter.com/58TSqO6FBY
— ABHI ???? (@stargazer109) October 20, 2022
Khabib Nurmagomedov will be coaching Islam Makhachev from the corner at UFC 280
Even during his fighting days, Nurmagomedov has always made sure to be in Makhachev’s corner. The UFC Hall-of-Famer since his retirement and has shown full focus on making sure Makhachev can achieve his dream of becoming the new lightweight champion. In the last few Makhachev fights, Nurmagomedov can be seen yelling out advice from the corner.
UFC 280 won’t be any different. You will see Coach Khabib in full swing as Makhachev takes on Charles Oliveira in the main event at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Nurmagomedov is very confident in Makhachev’s abilities and believes he will take the undisputed crown.
Makhachev is privileged in that way. Not everyone can say they have one of the greatest fighters to ever grace the octagon in their corner. Do you think Coach Khabib can help Makhachev beat Oliveira this weekend?
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Prateek Athanur
(2968 Articles Published)