Recently EFC 37 was successfully organized in Kazakhstan. Before the event, Khabib Nurmagomedov attended a press conference at Almaty. The former lightweight champion has assured that he and his team won’t let Islam Makhchev fail. The Eagle also cleared the air regarding the rumors of him returning to UFC, if Islam Makhachev.
It is well known to the fight fans that Islam and Khabib are childhood friends. Both the fighters practice at AKA academy. Islam’s current ranking is 9th position in UFC’s lightweight division. The Dagestani fighter has a brilliant record of 19-1-0 with an 8 win streak in UFC. In addition to that, Islam Makhachev is backed by Khabib’s team to take the spot of The Eagle in the UFC, riding on his wrestling prowess and high fight IQ. However, there was always this rumor that if Islam fails to deliver like Khabib, the former champion might return to the octagon.
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The reporter asked Khabib if he would consider returning to UFC if Islam Makhachev makes it to the title fight and loses it. While answering the query Khabib responded
” I don’t think anything will change. Islam Makhchev has his way. I have mine. If Islam fails, he is capable of taking care of himself. But, we will be there next to him – to help and never let him fail”
Khabib is certain that Islam is capable of taking care of himself and if any hardship comes in his ways, Khabib and his team will always be with him. He also assures that AKA academy will never let Makhachev fail. In addition to that, Islam’s record itself speaks for how good of a fighter he is. However, it will be tough to fill Khabib’s shoes considering his stature in the sport.
Khabib Nurmagomedov on his return if Islam fails:
Answering the question of his come back in the promotion the eagle announced: “As for myself, I don’t have any desire to come back. And I don’t think I ever will”
It is quite obvious that the former Lightweight king is not coming back. He mentioned in the interview that he still misses the experiences he had in UFC. However, he won’t be returning to UFC anytime soon. Firstly, Seeing one of the greatest fighters of MMA history retire this early was already disappointing for all of his fans. Moreover, this announcement by Khabib has certainly made it more saddening.