Islam Makhachev gears up to defend his lightweight crown against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. He’s receiving invaluable guidance from mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov for his training camp. As such, one burning question remains. Will Khabib Nurmagomedov join his corner? The defending champ is playing coy on the possibility.
Makhachev was asked about the possibility of Khabib Nurmagomedov being present in his corner. This question came on the heels of Nurmagomedov joining Makhachev’s training camp in the US recently. Makhachev refused to comment but also did not outright shut it down.
We’ll probably leave it without comment. Anything is possible, we’ll see. But, of course, if he is in the corner it is much better.
Islam Makhachev via Sport 24
Islam Makhachev cryptically stated that Nurmagomedov’s potential involvement remained unknown. However, he acknowledged the immense value of having “The Eagle” by his side. The tight-lipped response only fueled rampant speculation among fans desperate for hints on the former champ’s June 1 plans. Only time will tell if Nurmagomedov corners Makhachev in the Newark PPV event.
Islam Makhachev on whether or not Khabib Nurmagomedov will be in his corner at #UFC302:
“We’ll probably leave it without comment. Anything is possible, we’ll see. But, of course, if he is in the corner it is much better.”
(via. Sport24) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/4e8hgiLS5Z
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 24, 2024
Makhachev will go into UFC 302 for his third title defense. He is coming off a KO victory over Alexander Volkanovski last year. Dustin Poirier is also coming off a KO victory against Benoit Saint-Denis. This will probably be his last shot at the undisputed gold and potentially his last walk to the octagon.
Islam Makhachev details being derailed by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s arrival
Islam Makhachev is the undisputed champion of the UFC’s lightweight division. His friend and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, had also joined Makhachev’s training camp recently. Makhachev recently revealed that the undefeated fighter’s presence initially caused chaos in his training camp.
Islam Makhachev details Khabib Nurmagomedov’s arrival (via MMA Fighting)Khabib Nurmagomedov flew into the US just two weeks before Islam Makhachev’s title defense against Dustin Poirier. He is known for his hard training and intense regimens. Makhachev admitted with a hint of understatement that Nurmagomedov’s arrival caused a little disruption in the fight camp.
The training camp went well, everyone gave their all. We were there for more than two weeks. Khabib came to the camp, slightly disrupting the start and without any acclimatization, we immediately began training.
Islam Makhachev via Khabib Nurmagomedov YT
For those familiar with Khabib’s legendary work ethic, the idea of easing into camp was swiftly dismissed. Instead, Nurmagomedov pushed Makhachev and teammates through a grueling two-week gauntlet in the U. ahead of UFC 302. While the disruptive start seemed jarring on paper, the hardworking Dagestanis likely wouldn’t have it any other way.
