Over the years, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have forged an unbreakable relationship, and even today remain the closest of confidants.
This is chiefly down to the fact that the duo comes from the same region in Russia, Dagestan, and have been training partners for the duration of their careers. In addition to their unique connection away from the bright lights of the UFC, Khabib has been instrumental in Makhachev’s journey to the top of the sport and has passed on the advice that enabled him to retire undefeated. As touched on, these two have spent a long time in each other’s company, and Makhachev in particular has benefitted.
Makhachev had the best seat in the house
Makhachev has had the rare privilege of observing up close and personal the career of the man that the world considers the most prolific fighter to have ever stepped foot in the Octagon, as well as one of the most popular. Granted, it’s a grand statement but this is supported by an infographic supplied by ExpressVPN, which shows that Khabib is involved in the highest number of searches when it comes to UFC streams – there is no fighter the public would rather see in action. Indeed, there isn’t another athlete with his skillset and this is why Makhachev has tried to mirror his every step.
With this shadowing in mind, it won’t come as a surprise to learn that Makhachev has often been referred to as Khabib’s protégé given that the two have an identical fighting style, with the similarity especially evident when it comes to grappling and ground-and-pound.
Machachev had adopted Khabib’s most effective techniques and carved out a career that had seen him lose only once in 25 fights, with the most recent success coming when the 31-year-old successfully defended his lightweight title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Australia, as CBS Sports reported. It was after this dominant win that the career paths of the two Russians would cross yet again.
They called him “best striker in the world”
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA)
A mother’s love
Remarkably, in scenes similar to the ones that the world observed when Khabib was able to defend his own title in 2020, it was a victory that prompted Makhachev’s own mother to ask her son to retire after winning in Perth. While the Russian quickly said he would be back to defend his belts again, it was a request that he confesses is now weighing on him.
With this as his frame of mind and given that Makhachev has also expressed that Khabib is like a brother to him and that he has benefitted significantly from his advice and guidance, the question is: how much will Khabib’s influence affect his decision to retire sooner rather than later?
История нас оправдает.
С фактами тяжело спорить.— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib)
The reality is that is a predicament that Khabib knows all too well. The Russian has, after all, been steadfast in his decision to stay retired after his victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on October 24, 2020. During his now famous post-fight interview that the BBC covered at the time, Khabib would announce that he was leaving the sport for good after stating that he had promised his mother that he would not continue fighting without his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who had passed away earlier that year.
This decision certainly came as a surprise to many fans and fellow fighters but one that, as touched on, Khabib has adamantly honored. In essence, you imagine that should Makhachev seek out Khabib’s advice on the matter as he does on so many other issues, the 34-year-old would be in favor of listening to the wishes of those closest to him.
Khabib is likely to remind Makhacheve of his own priorities
Apart from anything else, Khabib and Makhachev’s relationship is one of mentorship, friendship, and mutual respect, which suggests that the legendary fighter may be set to play an integral role in bringing forward any potential retirement announcement.