When two highly skilled individuals face each other, it’s always a tough battle to determine who comes out on top. This is especially true when the two have a strong bond and shared history, making it even harder to predict the outcome. Such is the case with Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, two of the most renowned fighters in the world of MMA.
Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov share a unique relationship that goes beyond the boundaries of just being training partners or teammates. They have been together since the beginning of their MMA careers, with Khabib serving as a mentor and guide to Makhachev. However, the question still remains – who would win if these two were to face each other in the octagon?
Throughout his dominant UFC run, Khabib Nurmagomedov has established himself as one of the best fighters in the world, with an undefeated record of 29-0. His ruthless fighting style and dominant ground game have earned him the nickname ‘The Eagle’ and made him a fan favorite. But little do people know that the only person who has ever troubled Khabib in sparring is his own student – Islam Makhachev.
The owner of the gym where Khabib and Makhachev train together, Rizvan Magomedov, recently revealed in an interview with TASS that Makhachev is the only one who has ever given Khabib a tough time in sparring. Magomedov stated, “In training, Khabib has only been troubled by Islam Makhachev. And he himself gave this away to the media more than once. I quote; ‘he does not let me breathe in sparring.’ Apart from Islam, no one could trouble Khabib.”
This revelation speaks volumes about the level of skill and talent that Makhachev possesses. While he may not have the same level of recognition as Khabib, he has been making his mark in the UFC with a record of 19-1 and an undefeated streak of seven wins in a row. His recent victory over Thiago Moises at UFC Fight Night 190 showcased his dominance and potential to become the next big thing in the lightweight division.
But what makes Makhachev’s skills even more impressive is the fact that he has been honing his craft under the tutelage of Khabib Nurmagomedov. The training they have done together has elevated Makhachev’s game and pushed him to reach new heights. Khabib’s influence on Makhachev is evident in his fighting style, and he has even been dubbed as the ‘next Khabib’ by fans and experts alike.
But even with all the praises and comparisons, Makhachev remains humble and grateful to Khabib for all that he has learned from him. In an interview with ESPN, Makhachev said, “Khabib is like my big brother. He was always there for me. He helped me a lot to grow up. I learned a lot of things from him – not just fighting, you know? Like how to live outside the ring, how to live the life. I can’t say anything bad about him because he’s always been there for me.”
The bond and respect between the two fighters are something that is rarely seen in the world of combat sports. The fact that they have trained together for so long and still maintain a close relationship speaks volumes about the kind of person Khabib is and the impact he has had on Makhachev’s life and career.
In conclusion, while it may be impossible to predict the outcome if these two were to face each other in a fight, one thing is for sure – the respect and bond between Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov will always remain unbreakable. They have not only shown the world what it means to be a true martial artist but have also set an example of teamwork and brotherhood that goes beyond the boundaries of competition. As Makhachev continues to rise in the UFC, he will undoubtedly carry the lessons and values imparted by Khabib with him, making him a force to be reckoned with in the sport.