
via Imago
(Image Courtesy: Imago)

via Imago
(Image Courtesy: Imago)
Jon Jones has reigned as the UFC’s #1 pound-for-pound fighter for the longest time. It seemed like no one could take his place. However, so many years later, UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev has done the unthinkable. After beating Alexander Volkanovski for the second time at UFC 294, Islam Makhachev became the UFC’s #1 P4P fighter.
Naturally, the former UFC lightweight champ, the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov, had a few things to say about the legacy being carried on by Makhachev. Nurmagomedov and Makhachev were brought up together. The two trained together, and after Nurmagomedov retired, Makhachev became the torchbearer. Now, Nurmagomedov has spoken highly of his prot?g? and has explicitly mentioned what he thinks might be the future for Makhachev in the UFC.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Khabib Nurmagomedov predicts the future for Islam Makhachev after P4P update
Islam Makhachev laid all doubts to rest when he defeated UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. The fight was originally slated between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira. However, the Brazilian had to sit it out, owing to injuries. Volkanovski came in as a replacement at the last minute. And Makhachev did what he does best – win.
View this post on Instagram
His mentor and sparring partner, Khabib Nurmagomedov recently uploaded a picture on Instagram with a long caption, congratulating Islam Makhachev. “It’s an unprecedented case when two fighters, raised from childhood by the same coach, in the same city, in the same gym, trained side-by-side for a long time – become singleweight champions in the best league in the world @ufc,” read the first paragraph of the caption.
Dive Deeper – Amidst No Return Date, Charles Oliveira Hits Back at UFC Welterweight For Challenging His Legacy- ?Bunch Of Sh**?
The entire post that Nurmagomedov put up for Islam Makhachev was an appreciation post, talking about how this was just the beginning for the UFC lightweight champion. It is heartwarming to see the camaraderie between two of the greatest lightweight champs to have ever stepped in a UFC Octagon.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Charles Oliveira rematch scheduled for UFC 297 against Islam Makhachev?
Originally, Islam Makhachev was supposed to be fighting Charles Oliveira at UFC 294. However, the fight fell through as Oliveira had to pull out of the fight owing to an injury. Volkanovksi stepped in, confident about finishing the job this time. However, Makhachev seemed to be ready for the challenge and won the fight.

via Getty
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 20: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates after his knockout victory over Gleison Tibau of Brazil in their lightweight bout during the UFC 220 event at TD Garden on January 20, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Now, it seems Oliveira will get another chance to set things straight with Makhachev. According to Ariel Helwani, Islam Makhachev will be fighting Charles Oliveira at UFC 297. However, the fans seem to have a different opinion when it comes to Oliveira fighting Makhachev. Apparently, the fans think that the Brazilian has no chance against Makhachev.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Now, after Khabib Nurmagomedov has said what he had to about Makhachev and his future in the promotion, the only question that remains is this – can he defend his title against Oliveira again? Or is Makhachev truly the P4P king of the UFC?
Watch This Story – Watch: Colby Covington breaks character and trains with the Nelk Boys?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT