
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 17: Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts after teammate Islam Makhachev’s victory against Thiago Moises in their lightweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on July 17, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)|GettyImages

via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 17: Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts after teammate Islam Makhachev’s victory against Thiago Moises in their lightweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on July 17, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)|GettyImages
Khabib Nurmagomedov has transitioned smoothly into the life of a non-fighter. Nurmagomedov retired as an undefeated fighter in 2020, after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 to defend his UFC lightweight title for the third time.
Since his retirement, ‘The Eagle’ has worked on multiple different projects. Nurmagomedov currently is the co-owner of Eagle FC, an MMA promotion. He also has become a coach, helps multiple fighters across promotions, and is even in their corner during fights.
Coach – now you know 😁@akajav pic.twitter.com/JOuEByhIXc
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) February 4, 2022
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While he is serious on fight nights, the Russian often takes a little time out during workouts and training and likes to joke around. In a recent clip shared by Nurmagomedov on Twitter, he is heard trolling his former coach Javier Mendez. In the video, he said, “Coach, you have to enjoy with every moment with me. Because very soon, I’m gonna block you.”
Nurmagomedov and Mendez have been working together for years and have formed a great bond. Now, Islam Makhachev is training under both of them and is looking to capture the UFC lightweight title. It will be interesting to see if he can win on his return and help ‘The Eagle’ re-start his winning run as a coach.
Khabib Nurmagomedov suffers his first setback as a coach
Khabib Nurmagomedov was one of the most dominant fighters and easily got through his competition. After his retirement, the former UFC lightweight champion started coaching fighters and had an undefeated record. However, that streak ended recently.
‘The Eagle‘ was in the corner of Islam Mamedov at Bellator 273. His protege took on former UFC lightweight champion, Benson Henderson, and came out on the losing end. It was a closely fought battle, and ‘Smooth’ won via a split decision. This put an end to Mamedov’s 20 fight unbeaten streak.
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Khabib and Usman Nurmagomedov reaction to Islam Mamedov escaping the submission attempt from Benson Henderson ..
unfortunately, islam still lost a split decision in a very close fight pic.twitter.com/PD4C3eN8o0— Pablo_Escobar (@JM97_79) January 30, 2022
The Russian coaches and corners over nine fighters. He was 14-0 going into Bellator 273, but unfortunately couldn’t continue the run. He will look to bounce back from this setback quickly.
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What do you make of Khabib Nurmagomedov as a coach? Let us know in the comments below!
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