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‘I Can’t Spar With Him’- Islam Makhachev Takes a Cheeky Dig at Khabib Nurmagomedov Over His Weight

Published 07/16/2021, 12:52 PM EDT

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Islam Makhachev is ready to go toe to toe with an equally hungry fighter Thiago Moises in the upcoming edition of UFC Fight Night on July 17th.

This a crucial lightweight contest between two rising fighters, thirty to become a front runner in the lightweight rankings. Islam Makhachev went through his first training camp for this fight since his friend and training partner, Khabib Nurmagomedov, retired from the UFC.

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Makhachev was asked to discuss the changes that had occurred in his training after ‘The Eagle’s’ retirement.

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Islam Makhachev said, “Now I cannot spar with him because he is too big, but I can wrestle with him. I like to grab some grappling, but now he is so big.

“Now he is more like coach like he always supports all camp he is with us. He doesn’t have fight, but he came and helped everybody.”

Watch this story: UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs Moises- Daniel Rodriguez vs Preston Parsons: Prelims Prediction and Analysis

The MMA fans are no stranger to the fact that Khabib Nurmagomedov has gained a lot of weight since his retirement. Although he competed at 155lbs now, it seems like he is touching the light heavyweight limit which is 205lbs.

Islam Makhachev still trains with Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. This victory marked his third light title defense and 29th victory as a professional MMA fighter.

But still, ‘The Eagle’ has managed to stay in touch with the combat world as he is following the footsteps of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

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Now the Dagestani provides a helping hand for fighters who are chasing the same dream of becoming the best MMA combatant in the world.

UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs Moises- Daniel Rodriguez vs Preston Parsons: Prelims Prediction and Analysis

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via Getty

Islam Makhachev said “Now we have like big team here because everybody have fights. And like some guys in Bellator, some guys in UFC. He care about all guys like may be nine people he control all guy’s training camp.”

Islam Makhachev confirms that the former champion acts as a mentor and a coach for about nine fights, including him. Nurmagomedov also helped Makhachev to train for his upcoming fight with Thiago Moises.

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How much does Khabib Nurmagomedov weigh now? Make a guess in the comment section below.

 

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Written by:

Saurabh Singh

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Saurabh Singh Laledia is an MMA enthusiast who works as a UFC writer for EssentiallySports. His passion for the UFC infused with his knowledge of various fight styles such as Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu motivated him to pursue a career in combat sports journalism, as it would be where he could exhibit his expert views and unbiased opinions whilst keeping the fan’s perspective alive. He started watching the sport at UFC 53 in 2005 when ‘The Ace’ Rich Franklin beat Evan Turner to claim the belt and has traced the journey of the middleweight title right from 'The Spider' to 'The Last Stylebender'.
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