Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev’s mentor and another UFC athlete, disapproves of his new pastime.
Due in major part to their victories as UFC lightweight champions, Khabib and Islam are regarded as two of the greatest fighters in MMA history. After defeating Justin Gaethje via submission in 2020, Khabib retired, having previously held the title. Islam was equally stunning as Khabib, if not more so, when claiming the vacant title a few years later with a submission victory over Charles Oliveira.
Having trained together as children under Khabib’s father, the two have known one another for years and are very close. Despite their similar ages, Khabib has taken on a more coaching role since his retirement and is renowned for managing a tight ship.
For instance, he does not include endurance as an authorized activity.
Islam recently posted a video of himself riding a dirt bike while engaging in the activity on Instagram. Hundreds of people responded to the message, including Khabib. His message was straightforward.
“I don’t like this,” he wrote, including a facepalm emoji for emphasis.
Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Gaethje to defend the UFC lightweight title three times.
Islam Makhachev defended the belt four times, first against Poirier and then against Renato Moicano and twice against Alexander Volkanovski. With ambitions to advance to welterweight, he just vacated to the title.
In the UFC, both guys have held the top spot pound for pound. Makhachev remains in that prestigious position.
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