Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov are like brothers. But that doesn’t mean the latter has to be by Makhachev’s side at all times. After retiring from the UFC, Nurmagomedov trained and coached Islam to a title win. ‘The Eagle’ was in the corner for so many matches too. However, it could only go on for so long.

Fans have been urging Nurmagomedov to come back. At this point, it looks like they’d like him back in just about any professional capacity. If he can’t be inside the cage, they want him in Makhachev’s corner. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the persistent Dagestani is about to change his mind. Recently, his brother opened up about the whole situation at a press conference.

Nurmagomedov’s return to the corner seems tough

Recently, Usman Nurmagomedov won over Brent Primus at Bellator 300. The Dagestani family clearly has roots that push them further to be winners. However, does that mean they always need support from friends and family? ‘The Eagle’ has expressed his faith in Makhachev and how he doesn’t need him by his side. Now, Usman Nurmagomedov has just confirmed it all.

“He (is) not going to corner Islam,” said Nurmagomedov about his brother. “He just train brother, always training. He just come to Dubai (for) training, stay with these guys, like this is very good energy you know . . . He’s not come back. He’s not coach too, but he push, all the time. When he in the gym, he push everybody.”

The respect and acknowledgment around ‘The Eagle’ among the Dagestani fighters never cease to impress. He’s been training fighters from his region for a while but he’s not specifically coaching Makhachev at UFC 294. The former champion has also been very clear about his exit from the UFC.

Once he left the cage, he coached Makhachev and instructed him during his fights. Now, Nurmagomedov is completely away from the cage whether he likes it or not. ‘The Eagle’ decided to leave the sport so he could spend more quality time with his family. And it looks like it’s going to be that way for good whether or not fans like it.

Will Makhachev lose without Khabib Nurmagomedov by his side?

Islam Makhachev has been a focused fighter for as long as one can remember. He took the belt away from Charles Oliveira and wouldn’t want to give it back so soon. The fighter has been champion for a year now, in fact, the two will fight around the same time they did last year when ‘Do Bronx’ had to surrender the belt.

Also Read: Opinion: Islam Makhachev’s UFC Career Better Than Khabib Nurmagomedov Before UFC 294

Now, people like Team Khabib’s coach Javier Mendez expect a more motivated Oliveira to take on Makhachev. This will be the first time the champ defends his title without Nurmagomedov yelling moves from his corner. Will this take the edge away from him? Will ‘Do Bronx’ claim his vengeance? We’ll find out at UFC 294 on October 21.

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