Islam Makhachev has no dearth of famous friends in and out of the UFC. Makhachev’s brother-like relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov is well-documented. So is his friendship with UFC commentator and former double champion, Daniel Cormier. The UFC lightweight champion is also on very good terms with renowned internet personality and fellow Dagestani, Hasbulla Magomedov.
Hasbulla cornered Makhahchev at UFC 280 during his fight with Charles Oliveira. Hasbulla entered the cage during the post-fight celebrations when Islam won the title. Makhachev also carried the Dagestani influencer in his arms while posing for a picture with his title. Needless to say, Islam Makhachev and Hasbulla Magomedov are close.
So, when someone asked Islam during the UFC 284 open workouts regarding Hasbulla’s whereabouts, he had a hilarious response. Presumably, a fan shouted, “Where’s Hasbulla?” To this Islam responded, “At home,” with a huge grin plastered across his face. Someone also asked him whether Hasbulla was going to come and watch him fight at UFC 284.
Fan: Where’s Hasbulla?
Islam: At home. 😅 #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/zIVoO2rH81
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 9, 2023
And Islam responded with a simple, “I hope.” Islam’s responses indicate that fans won’t see a repeat of Hasbulla cornering him a la UFC 280. The absence of both Khabib and Hasbulla has led some fans to jokingly remark that Islam may be in trouble against Alexander Volkanovski. But surely both Dagestanis will be supporting Makhachev through a screen come Saturday.
Hasbulla predicted an easy win for Islam Makhachev at UFC 280
Back in September 2022, Hasbulla Magomedov took a trip to Australia. In the land down under, he met up with the UFC’s P4P #1 fighter Alexander Volkanovski with whom he shared a burger. While they were sharing a meal, Hasbulla tricked Volkanovski into looking at his drink. With this momentary distraction, the notorious prankster smashed a burger into Volk’s face. Volkanovski even shared a video of this on Twitter.
Later, at UFC 280, Hasbulla and Volkanovski’s “feud” would resume. In a skit posted on Twitter, Volkanovski was backstage, ranting about the pint-sized UFC signee. Then as Volk said, “I’m telling you, I’m going to fix him up,” Hasbulla appeared, with chilling music accompanying him.
He then tricked Volk again, this time with a fake handshake, pulling him to the ground. Hasbulla proceeded to land some signature Dagestani ground-and-pound, all the while Alexander ‘The Great” screamed, “Alright, alright. I was joking.” The Dagestani prankster then stood over Volkanovski and appropriated his featherweight title.
It seems these interactions gave Hasbulla the information he needs to predict the outcome of the UFC 284 main event. During an interview with the Nelk boys, Magomedov gave his prediction for the main event. He said, “I think Islam is going to smash him because I already beat him two times myself. Once I smashed a burger in his face, Islam isn’t going to feel him at all.”
After all, no one in the UFC has managed to beat Volkanovski once, let alone twice. Even after 3 attempts, Max Holloway, one of the greatest-ever featherweight champions, failed to do it. Going 2-0 against Volkanovski, it’s hard to argue with Hasbulla.