Even in retirement, UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov isn’t slowing down. Last week, he helped his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov secure a win at UFC 321. With that milestone behind him, ‘The Eagle’ is now working closely with Islam Makhachev as the former lightweight champ looks to make history as Dagestan’s first two-division UFC titleholder. Nurmagomedov recently joined Makhachev’s training camp as he gears up for the biggest fight of his career, just two weeks away.

This time, Islam Makhachev is moving up to 170 pounds to face reigning welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena in his divisional debut, a fight many believe could push him beyond his mentor’s legacy. With the clock ticking toward November 15, Makhachev’s camp is in full swing, with Khabib Nurmagomedov recently seen engaging in a quick Q&A session and running a few fiery rounds with his protégé. At one point, the former lightweight champ even playfully roasted his mentor.

Islam Makhachev gives fans a sneak peek of his UFC 322 preparation with Khabib Nurmagomedov

Known for sharing exclusive content from the ‘Team Khabib’ Instagram page, ZA, Khabib Nurmagomedov recently posted a video of Islam Makhachev, showcasing him working on his wrestling while looking bigger than ever. In the clip, ‘The Eagle’ appeared on camera and asked Makhachev, “Second question,” before continuing, “How is the preparation going? What’s new in this camp for you?” the Russian star responded, “Everything’s fine. … Until you arrived two days ago, nothing was different.”

Then, Khabib Nurmagomedov encouraged his protégé to answer properly. When reflecting on what makes this fight camp “different,” Islam Makhachev revealed that he is now training with higher-weight partners over 90 kilograms. “Derkhamov weighs 91 kilograms. Before, I used to train with guys who weighed a maximum of 84–83 kilos,” he explained.

Furthermore, when the UFC legend asked about the weight cut, Islam Makhachev added casually, “I’m not even thinking about cutting weight. Life has changed. Yeah. Like at 70 kilograms? Before, I always used to think about where to eat, what to eat for dinner.” Makhachev has spent over a decade competing in the UFC lightweight division.

Talking to Brett Okamoto a few days ago, the former lightweight champ said the same. “This camp is really hard, you know. I gained weight, I become big, you know, and the opponent, the sparring partner, I change there. Some guys, they are also very big, you know, that’s why it’s very hard camp we did like. The first camp we did for lifting, you know—it’s the weights which I use in the training, everything is changing, it’s become very hard. Now, I feel good, just like a little jet lagged after the flight. And like, just a couple of days more and I’ll be good.”

With just a few years left before retirement, Islam Makhachev now seeks to leave his mark in the 170-pound division, which aligns more closely with his natural weight. Originally, moving up to welterweight was not part of his plan, but UFC executive Hunter Campbell encouraged him to explore the move during his summer visit to Dagestan, aiming to leverage Ilia Topuria’s growing prominence in the MMA world.

Makhachev sets sights on Ilia Topuria at UFC White House

The potential clash between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev was shaping up as a dream matchup for fans. However, a visit to Dagestan by UFC executives shifted the landscape. At UFC 317 this summer, Topuria claimed the lightweight championship by knocking out former titleholder Charles Oliveira, while Makhachev awaited his next opportunity. Around the same time, President Donald Trump announced the UFC White House event on the South Lawn, with stars like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones already expressing interest.

Now, Islam Makhachev has made it clear he wants to compete at the one-and-done White House event. If he secures the welterweight title, it could pave the way for a sequel to Anderson Silva’s iconic run. Makhachev is aiming for a record-breaking performance, potentially against Ilia Topuria. Speaking to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto ahead of UFC 322, Makhachev expressed his desire.

“I saw the [Oliveira] fight; he’s good,” Makhachev said. “I have a good fight now and I know [Topuria] is going to fight soon and we’ll see what’s gonna happen. He wants to fight at the White House, and I also want to be there. I know the UFC wants to do some big fight in the White House. Which fight is going to be bigger than this?”

With the welterweight title on the line, could a UFC White House event featuring Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria at 155 pounds surpass the significance of Conor McGregor’s appearance? Share your thoughts below.