Khabib Nurmagomedov Gets Backup for UFC 249

Khabib Nurmagomedov has always been a part of a strong team. Wherever the Russian has gone, his teammates have followed. The same can be said for Khabib. One of Khabib’s closest teammate is set to join him on his fight card.

Khabib is set to defend his title against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in one of the most anticipated matches in UFC history. The fight was booked four times prior but fell apart on all four occasions. It has now been booked for the fifth time as the main event of UFC 249.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammate will join him at UFC 249

Islam Makachev, a fellow Dagestani and Khabib’s closest teammate will join Khabib on the card. Makachev trains with Khabib at American Kickboxing Academy under head coach Javier Mendes.

This is not the first time Makachev has followed Khabib. At UFC 242, when Khabib took on the interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier. Islam Makachev faced Davi Ramos on the same card.

Many say that Makachev is destined for greatness. Even the lightweight champion believes that he will be the next champion after him.

Although Khabib Nurmagomedov is the best grappler and wrestler in the division, Makachev is not far behind. Not only can he grapple, but he is also good on his feet. The Dagestani has 3 wins by KO/TKO, 7 by submission and 8 wins by decision. As of now, his record stands at 18-1.

Who will Islam Makachev face?

After a back and forth with Kevin Lee, it looked like the duo would face each other inside the octagon. However, even when both fighters were willing to face each other, the fight did not come together for some reason.

It looks like Alexander Hernandez (11-2) will challenge the Dagestani next. Before his loss to Donald Cerrone, Hernandez was on an 8 fight win streak. Although his fight with Cerrone did not yield the desired result, Hernandez has made his way back to the win column last July. He defeated Francisco Trinaldo by a unanimous decision.

The fight has not been officially signed. But, both fighters have agreed to fight each other verbally. As per MMA Fighting, a contract between the two of them will be signed shortly.

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