Khabib Nurmagomedov Backs His Protege Islam Makhachev for a Title Shot at UFC 281 in Abu Dhabi

Published 03/21/2022, 10:35 AM EDT

Islam Makhachev is climbing the UFC hierarchy swiftly and gaining immense popularity on his way to the top. Makhachev is the latest luminary from Dagestan, casting his supremacy on the lightweight division of the UFC. Many tout him as the next Khabib Nurmagomedov, who also trains the ranked fighter.

Recently, UFC announced they will organize an event in Abu Dhabi in October this year. Soon after, fans and fighters started reacting to the same. Khabib Nurmagomedov, too, took this opportunity to back his protégé for a title bout at UFC 281.

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‘The Eagle’ commented, “@islam_makhachev fight for the belt👊”

Makhachev has vanquished talented lightweights such as Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker. However, his doubters say he still has to prove himself against top-ranked fighters before getting a title shot. Although, not everyone doubts Makhachev’s ability, especially his coach and longtime friend Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The #3 ranked fighter in the UFC lightweight category has definitely shown glimpses of his talent so far. However, he is yet to fight any of the present or former champions in the division. His recent win over Bobby Green at UFC Fight Night stretched his winning streak to 10.

The Russian-born fighter has merely lost one of his 23 MMA bouts against Brazilian fighter Adriano Martins.

Whether Makhachev gets a title fight is yet to be unearthed as current champion Charles Oliveira will defend his belt against Justin Gaethje on May 8, 2022, at UFC 274.

WATCH THIS STORY: Everything You Need to Know About Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Partnership with Jacob and Co

When Khabib Nurmagomedov lost a fight

Many endorse Islam Makhachev to emulate a legendary UFC career like his coach and compatriot Khabib Nurmagomedov. MMA fans know Nurmagomedov as the ‘undefeated champion’ who boasts a record of 29-0 in the sport.

He has fought and won over the best lightweight fighters from around the world and defended his UFC championship belt three times before eventually retiring as champion.

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However, Makhachev has already lost one fight in his career. But so did his longtime friend and coach. In a shocking throwback video, Khabib Nurmagomedov suffered the only loss of his career as a combat athlete. However, it wasn’t an MMA bout.

It was Magomed Ibragimov, who defeated a 17-year-old Khabib Nurmagomedov in a Russian Combat Sambo final.

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WATCH: When Khabib Nurmagomedov Took on a Live Bear

Should Islam Makhachev get a title fight at UFC 281 Abu Dhabi? Let us know in the comments down below.

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Written by:

Utkarsh Gathani is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. A Mass Communication graduate from Wilson College, this sports buff, who is captivated by multiple sports, adores MMA. Conor McGregor is the reason for that as Utkarsh is in awe of the man's unbelievable striking ability, his lifestyle, and his trash talking.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Backs His Protege Islam Makhachev for a Title Shot at UFC 281 in Abu Dhabi

When Khabib Nurmagomedov lost a fight

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