"It’s his dream to make new champions" - Islam Makhachev dismisses Khabib Nurmagomedov rivalry talk, highlights his mentor’s dedication to others

Islam Makhachev has brushed aside talks of any competitive rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov as he prepares to face Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322. He has called these narratives meaningless.

Makhachev has carved out a distinct path, having defended the lightweight belt four times before moving up. Nurmagomedov, meanwhile, defended his throne thrice during his dominant run in the lightweight division.

But for Makhachev, the focus isn’t on numbers. He sees Nurmagomedov as family and their shared mission as part of a bigger legacy started by Abdulmanap, their late coach. Speaking in a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Makhachev said:

"This is a stupid question. He’s my brother...If he didn’t want me to beat his record, he would never help me. He’s been away from his family for two months. It’s his dream to make new champions in our gym. One day, he told me he does all this because if one guy becomes a champion, it changes the lives of many people around him. He told me, ‘It’s my dream to help people, and when I help someone, I can help his family, friends, and everyone around him.’ That’s why I don’t like to answer questions about beating Khabib’s record and all that."

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He added:

"It’s not a question I want to answer, like I beat Khabib’s record or something like this. It’s all about Abdulmanap’s legacy, our coach who is not with us right now. After ten or fifteen years, people will understand what he did for our country, for MMA, for sports. Even now, new champions in other organizations are training under his students. It has become a very big school. The only thing I miss is that he’s not in the cage with us when we win the belt. I think he’s proud of us."

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments below (16:30):

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Islam Makhachev reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov’s message ahead of UFC 322

Islam Makhachev heads into UFC 322 with a clear plan from his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. The lightweight champion-turned-welterweight contender said Nurmagomedov has instructed him to take Jack Della Maddalena down and dominate on the ground.

Makhachev is confident in his grappling skills, which he believes will enable him to secure a finish through submission. Speaking in the aforementioned interview with ESPN MMA, he said:

“It’s not secret. Take him down and make him tired there. I think I can finish him on the ground and choke him, or do some armbar or something, because I saw his skills on the ground. He’s good, but I have something more.”

Edited by Abhishek Nambiar