The Dagestani domination of the UFC lightweight division is quite evident. Previously, it was Khabib Nurmagomedov who dominated everybody. After a brief gap, it’s Islam Makhachev who holds the championship and is the new king of the division. However, when it comes to legacy, Makhachev wants to be separated from Nurmagomedov’s shadow.
Islam Makhachev recently interviewed with UFC where he talked about how he shut down his haters after Alex Volkanovski’s rematch. On top of it, Makhachev revealed that he doesn’t like to be labeled as ‘Khabib’s Protege’ and wants to have his legacy.
People say I’m Khabib’s protege but now I have the belt and now I’m number one in the pound for me rankings. Khabib had his time and now it’s my time.
Islam Makhachev via UFC 302 Countdown YouTubeÂ
After Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from UFC, he dedicated time to making Islam Makhachev the next champion. Finally, at UFC 280, the ‘Father’s plan’ was successful and Makhachev defeated Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight title. The Dagestani submitted the fighter who had the most number of submissions in the history of UFC.Â
At the upcoming UFC 302, Makhachev will get an opportunity to extend his legacy further. If he beats Dustin Poirier, he will have three title defenses, the same number as Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev is the current pound-for-pound king and has achieved so much in very little time. However, it doesn’t surprise the ‘Eagle’ at all.
Khabib Nurmagomedov praises Islam Makhachev for his achievements
Way before Islam Makhachev came into the limelight, Khabib Nurmagomedov repeatedly promoted the fighter. Nurmagomedov mentioned that Makhachev would become a world champion and that happened as per his predictions.Â
Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about Islam Makhachev talent (via Instagram)
While talking about Makhachev and his abilities, Nurmagomedov had a lot of admiration for his training partner turned student. According to the veteran, Makhachev was his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov‘s best student. Here’s what the Hall of Famer said;
Islam on another level. People have to understand….Of course I was very nervous because I love this guy. We grew up together. He was my father’s favorite student.Â
Khabib Nurmagomedov via ESPN MMA YouTubeÂ
Islam Makhachev also credited both Nurmagomedov and his father for his success and mentioned that he could never forget it. However, when it comes to individual legacy, Makhachev can potentially be the greatest lightweight fighter in the history of UFC.Â
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