UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov is back in the gym, training alongside his protege, Islam Makhachev. On June 2, reigning lightweight world champion Makhachev will put his title on the line against division fan favorite Dustin Poirier in the UFC 302 main event.
The focus leading up to the fight has centered around Makhachev’s mentor and UFC Hall of Famer, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Reports surfaced claiming that Nurmagomedov owed a substantial sum to the Russian Federal Tax Service, sparking rumors of a potential comeback. Fuel was added to the fire when it was revealed that the former lightweight champ had joined Makhachev in New Jersey for the final two weeks of his protege’s fight camp.
Nurmagomedov himself confirmed his presence, posting on Instagram: “Just landed.” While fans may hope for a return to the Octagon, longtime coach Javier Mendez has firmly shut down any possibility of Nurmagomedov fighting again. Mendez emphasized that Khabib remains devoted to his family and won’t step back into the cage to fight.
Coach Khabib in Islam Makhachev’s camp for #UFC302 🦅💪
🎥 IG / @akajav #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/iTOnPvkmxh
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 20, 2024
Will Khabib Nurmagomedov Be in Islam Makhachev’s Corner During the Fight?
As UFC 302 approaches, the question remains: Will ‘The Eagle’ be in Makhachev’s corner at the Prudential Center in Newark? If so, it will mark a significant moment in the buildup to the lightweight title clash
Social media erupted with mixed emotions. Some fans exclaimed, “Thought he was in jail!” Others declared, “It’s over for Dustin!” The unexpected alliance between mentor and protege added an intriguing layer to the upcoming lightweight clash.
As UFC 302 approaches, fans eagerly await the showdown between Islam Makhachev and Poirier. Whether Nurmagomedov will be in Makhachev’s corner remains uncertain, but his presence has already left an indelible mark on the fight’s narrative.