Former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov is currently retired from the sport of MMA. However, his teammate Islam Makhachev is coming up the ranks in the 155 lbs division of the UFC.
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‘The Eagle’ explained in a recent interview how Makhachev is facing the same issues he faced during his rise to the top. “Yes, it is. Last year when he was offered to fight Dober, he was promised- not just told- he was promised to be given a well-known fighter from the top 10 or top 15 after that fight.
“We agreed on these terms, Islam won and nothing happened after. However, it’s not about blaming UFC. It’s about fighters themselves,” said Nurmagomedov.
“They don’t want it. They don’t want to get out of their comfort zone. They sit in Top-10, fight with each other, and usually stay within this ranking.
“I had the same situation in 2016. Fighters who were better than me didn’t want to fight with me, and I didn’t want to fight with someone who was less prepared than me,” he added.
“So, I told Islam, ‘Look you have to be proactive.’ Just ask UFC for any fighter they might give you. Accept the fight and finish it early. When the time comes you will fight for the belt,” the Dagestani said further.
Can Islam Makhachev follow in the footsteps of Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Makhachev is surely a top prospect in the 155lbs division of the UFC. The Dagestani is well respected among fellow contenders. Also, he has the likes of Nurmagomedov in his side to guide him. Many believe Makhachev is a potential champion. It’s hard to argue with those views as well.
He is yet to compete since his spectacular UFC 259 win against Drew Dober. He is set to fight Thiago Moises next in the main event of a UFC Fight Night card.
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