Islam Makhachev enjoys it when people compare him to his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. Makhachev secured an amazing win over the Brazilian fighter Thiago Moises via submission at UFC Vegas 31.
The Dagestani native continued his win streak with the victory in this highly anticipated bout. The latter is on an eight-win streak currently.
Makhachev’s professional MMA resume reflects amazing wins. And apparently, people are comparing him to his mentor and long-time friend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
However, the (20-1) record holder has no problem with the comparison. While talking about the scenario in the post-fight press conference Makhachev said, “If somebody says I am almost the same as Khabib, I agree with this. I wanna be like Khabib.
“He’s a great man, you know. He’s a champion. Khabib has a lot of money now. He has everything now, but he’s still a humble guy.
“He comes to the USA without his family. Khabib stayed here for one or two months just to help. He didn’t take money, nothing.”
Makhachev added, “Khabib just comes and helps the whole team. He does everything for the team, you know. We come to the USA with him. He rent a big house for the team.
“He rent a lot of cars for the team and nobody pays, he pays for everything. That’s why I can’t explain about Khabib because he does a lot of stuff, but nobody knows this. But we always thank him. ”
Khabib Nurmagomedov is coaching the 29-year-old fighter and the impact of his training can be seen inside the octagon.
However, several people are expecting more from the Dagestan native and they believe he could be the next Nurmagomedov in the lightweight division.
Can Islam Makhachev Follow Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Footsteps
‘The Eagle’ has an impressive professional MMA career. The latter was on an amazing 16 win streak when he entered the UFC. He quickly laddered the ranks in the promotion. The former UFC champion is unbeaten his professional MMA career with a record of (29-0).
The 32-year-old defeated many prominent names in the UFC. However, the former lightweight champion hanged his gloves after successfully defending his lightweight gold against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
Nurmagomedov is now using his experience and skills to coach amateur MMA fighters. One of them is the (20-1) record holder Makhachev. The latter is going well so far in his UFC career and has only one loss on his resume.
If the Dagestan native keeps his column green for a few more bouts, he will surely earn a shot at the lightweight gold. This will be a big milestone in his career. And training with the legend Nurmagomedov himself has fast-tracked his UFC journey.
Hence, it is easy to say that if Makhachev keeps the same performance in his next matches he will rightfully earn the title of being the next Khabib Nurmagomedov in the division.
Do you think Islam Makhachev is going to be the next Khabib Nurmagomedov? Let us know in the comment section below.
READ MORE: Is Islam Makhachev Overrated? Insights From His 4th Round Submission Win Over Thiago Moises
The post ‘Khabib Has a Lot of Money Now But He’s Still Humble’- Islam Makhachev Says He Wants to Be Like Khabib Nurmagomedov appeared first on EssentiallySports.
from EssentiallySports https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-khabib-has-a-lot-of-money-now-but-hes-still-humble-islam-makhachev-says-he-wants-to-be-like-khabib-nurmagomedov/
0 Comments