Islam Makhachev shares a unique bond with Khabib Nurmagomedov.
While they are not blood-related, Makhachev and Nurmagomedov are probably more than family. Makhachev and Nurmagomedov grew up training together in the mountains of Dagestan, under the tutelage of Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap.
As predicted by Abdulmanap, Makhachev took over the UFC’s lightweight division after Khabib’s (29-0) retirement. Makhachev also handed over his title to “The Eagle” while dedicating the win to Abdulmanap.
Khabib has since been a mentor and coach to Makhachev, who considers him an older brother. Makhachev holds Nurmagomedov in such high regard that he would stop fighting at the drop of a hat if the former lightweight champ asked him to.