The current UFC Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is set to go up against Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 294. At first, Islam was going to fight Charles Oliveira for the title defense. Due to Charles pulling out of the fight because of injury, Alexander Volkanovski was declared as his new opponent.
The Russian mixed martial artist holds a record of 24-1-0 in his professional career. He is famous for his wrestling techniques that he frequently uses in his fights to make his opponents submit. Furthermore, he has won 11 of his fights by way of submission, which includes the fight against Charles Oliveira which was for the UFC Lightweight title in 2022.
We go again!!
Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski rematch at #UFC294 this Saturday!@VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/Bd90dWDSU1
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 16, 2023
Recently on the SuperSaf Speaks Podcast, Islam was asked what would happen if he and Khabib Nurmagomedov ever fought. Even though they both are very good friends, they are also very competitive.
Islam went on to give an interesting answer, he said, “This guy, who showed me you know all roads, how I have to train, how I have to live, what I have to do. And this guy more professional, you know. This guy have very big experience in this sport.”
Makhachev contibued, “Even right now, when he retired, he still in very good shape. We compete, we did like more than a thousand rounds in the gym. It’s my hardest opponent, you know, always. We have crazy rounds. Nobody can stop Khabib in the cage, not even me.”
It was clear from Islam’s answer that even he doesn’t believe that he can defeat the former undefeated UFC champion Khabib in a cage fight in the UFC.
Furthermore, they both are long-time training partners and Khabib is currently preparing Islam for his fight against Alexander Volkanovski on October 21 which will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
What Is Islam Makhachev’s Relationship With Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Apart from being training partners, Khabib and Islam are really good friends as well. Despite their similar appearances, the two fighters are not biologically related to each other. Khabib and Islam grew up together in the Republic of Dagestan. Moreover, both fighters began their fighting journey under the guidance of Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
The two fighters have always had a special bond and they have frequently expressed their support for one another in the media. Furthermore, they both have similar fighting styles due to which they are often compared to each other. When Khabib retired from UFC in 2021, he stated that Islam would be taking his place in the division next. Since then, Islam has thrived under Khabib’s leadership.
“[Khabib] and his father [made] me.”
Islam dedicating his title to Abdulmanap and handing the belt to Khabib 🥹 #UFC280 pic.twitter.com/RV1dnxZywB
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 22, 2022
After winning his first title in 2022 against Charles Oliveira in the UFC 280 event, Islam dedicated his belt to Khabib and his father. He stated that Khabib and his father made him and it was as much their achievement as it was his. Whenever Islam has fought, Khabib has always been present in his corner and even though they are not biologically related, they both have a bond similar to that of biological brothers.