Makhachev reveals why Khabib returns to his corner: ”He was very nervous”

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Photo: Noah K. Murray – USA TODAY Sports

Since retiring from competing in 2020, former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov put together an impressive résumé as a coach and cornerman.

In January 2023, he completely retired from MMA to spend time with his family.

Now, Khabib returns to corner his friend and former teammate Islam Makhachev at this Saturday’s title fight at UFC 302.

“I think No. 1, he missed the feeling,” Makhachev said about having Nurmagomedov in the corner again. “I think he was very nervous when he sits in a room watching the fight. He always takes care of us. He wants to help. That’s why he’s here, he’s going to be in my corner.”

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”It’s always great to have Khabib in the corner”

Having the former champion in his corner mean a lot for the reigning title holder.

“This is like [adding] to striking 20 percent, to wrestling 20 percent, to the plan,” Makhachev said. ”It’s always great to have Khabib in the corner. Because I think he gives me good advice in a lot of fights. I remember with Gleison Tibau, he told me try to land the left hook. I did and I finished him. With [Dan] Hooker, he gave me very good advice when I finished him by armbar. With the title fight, he gave me a lot of good advice.”

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