Islam Makhachev gives a small glimpse into Khabib Nurmagomedov as a coach and believes it’s been tougher training under the former UFC lightweight champion than his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Makhachev is the start of the show this Saturday at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi when faced with Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight title. Makhachev has been built off the tail end of Nurmagoemdov’s career, but on Saturday night, he looks to leap out of that shadow and take charge of his own legacy.
Nurmagomedov has played a significant part in Makhachev’s career and has paved the way for the Dagestan-born athletes. The former pound-for-pound king retired in 2020 and has played the role of coach for the up-and-coming fighters that were once under his father’s guidance. Although Nurmagomedov knows exactly how to push his fighters, Makhachev perhaps thinks a little too hard.
“Sometimes, I am angry because he’s not training now and is still pushing us so hard,” Makhachev told BT Sport when addressing his relationship with Nurmagomedov. “I told the other coach ‘Hey, this guy not control’ because if we did sparring or wrestling – I remember when we’re training we did sparring, grappling, wrestling and then finished [the training]. But always he has some exercise for us after this training.
“I think so [tougher coach than his late father Abdulmanap] because he doesn’t have too much experience being a coach, but he pushes us so hard. For example, this camp, just this week I have been light training but all other months, it has been so hard.” Makhachev previously worked with Nurmagomedov’s late father Abdulmanap with the pair regularly seen training and wrestling.”
Watch Islam Makhachev Discuss UFC 280 Title Fight
Nurmagomedov has been a tremendous mentor thus far in the early stages of his coaching career. It has been on display on numerous occasions while in Makhachev’s corner, guiding him to victories over Drew Dober, Thiago Moises, Dan Hooker, and Bobby Green.
Who are you backing to leave the UFC lightweight world champion on October 22nd in Abu Dhabi?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
