UFC
Khabib on Islam Makhachev’s future: “Nobody can stay on top forever”
Champion Islam Makhachev and former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is yet to defend his title, but his long-time friend, and teammate, Khabib Nurmagomedov already talks about Makhachev defending the belt five times.
Something that would be quite an accomplishment in the perhaps most stacked division in the UFC.
“I think he needs at least five,” Nurmagomedov recently told Red Corner MMA. “Maybe six. That would be ideal. Six defenses, that’s six fights and three years. Then it’s possible that the sport leaves him because nobody can stay on top forever.”
Makhachev will face dominant featherweight champion Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski in his first title defence. The champ vs. champ fight will take place at UFC 284 in Perth on February 11 next year.
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Khabib: “He first becomes strong then weak”
Time waits for no man according to the former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired in 2021 after defending his belt three times against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
“The way the almighty created a man, he first becomes strong then weak. He’s young then he’s old. Knowing that, the goal is five-six defenses,” Nurmagomedov said about Makhachev’s future.
Widely considered to be among the greatest MMA fighters of all time, Nurmagomedov was inducted into UFC Hall of Fame in 2022. The Dagestani left the sport with a flawless record of 29-0 and has since then found massive success as a coach.
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