Khabib Nurmagomedov Reacts to Islam Makhachev’s Withdrawl From UFC Vegas 14

Khabib Nurmagomedov believes that Islam Makhachev will be a UFC champion one day. He would need to fight regularly and win to achieve this objective. Unfortunately, the fighter who was scheduled to face former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos has had to withdraw due to injury. 

Initially, the duo was scheduled to fight on the UFC 254 card. However, on that occasion, RDA had to pull out after testing positive for COVID-19. Now, given the fact that the other party is out, fight fans believe that there is a curse on this bout. 

While the promotion scrambles to find a replacement at short notice, Nurmagomedov took to Instagram to encourage his teammate.

He wrote, “Injuries are part of this game, to become a champion you need to go through a lot, patience and good mood for you Brother Islam Makhachev”

“The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: “Know that what has passed should not have happened to you, and what happened to you should not have passed you. And know that there is no victory without patience, finds without loss, relief without difficulty.”

Read : Islam Makhachev Out of UFC Main Event Fight Against Rafael Dos Anjos 

Khabib has had his share of injury issues in his career before becoming the world champion. His advice will prove invaluable for Makhachev, who would be upset at missing out on a main event spot.

Can Islam Makhachev become a UFC champion?

Makhachev joined the promotion in 2015 from Russian promotion M-1 Global. He has a record of seven wins and one defeat in the UFC and is on a six-fight win streak. Training out of the American Kickboxing Academy with Khabib, the #12 ranked Makhachev will hope to replicate Nurmagomedov’s success inside the Octagon. 

The Russian fighter has wins over the likes of Davi Ramos, Arman Tsarukyan, Nik Lentz, and Gleison Tibau. Having fought relatively unknown fighters in his career, the Dos Anjos fight was a huge matchup for Makhachev. A win over a former champion would have raised his stock. Furthermore, it would have seen him ascend into the top 10 of the stacked lightweight division.

With ‘The Eagle’ seemingly retired after his UFC 254 win, the division is wide open and all the contenders are vying to get a few wins under their belt. Nurmagomedov’s advice will help the young fighter overcome the adversity and return stronger than ever as he aims to achieve championship glory. 

Read: BLUNDER! UFC Ranks Conor McGregor As Pound-For-Pound Best Weeks After Khabib Nurmagomedov Achieved the Feat