Did Islam Makhachev miss Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner? Facetime with 'The Eagle' reveals
Did Islam Makhachev miss the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner during UFC 284? Based on the lightweight champion's statements during the press conference, definitely yes.
In a recent tweet by the UFC, the Dagestani champion can be seen fondly face timing with 'The Eagle,' after his win.
@TeamKhabib calls @MakhachevMMA to congratulate him after #UFC284 📞 @TeamKhabib calls @MakhachevMMA to congratulate him after #UFC284
Brothers forever. https://t.co/F6NcKy5npE
During a press conference at UFC 284, the lightweight champion revealed what Nurmagomedov told him during the call. Apparently, 'The Eagle' was a bit critical of Makhachev's performance:
"He [Khabib Nurmagomedov] was soo nervous and he was saying, 'why are you doing this... [And I was like] Hey if you came [to the event], if you were in my corner I could've done this [what Khabib was suggesting] but you didn't come."
Catch Islam Makhachev's comments below:
Earlier in January, Nurmagomedov completely walked away from MMA, including coaching roles. Prior to that, 'The Eagle' had been a constant presence in Makhachev's corner during his fights.
Khabib meticulously talking his friend through a kimura attempt against Dan Hooker is a moment few MMA fans can forget.
Watch Khabib Nurmagomedov guide Islam Makhachev through the kimura attempt below:
Expressing his happiness at Makhachev's win over the Australian champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov said:
"Simply the best Proved it in a hard, competitive fight against the best active fighter on the planet...Just have a flashback on your memory of who topped the best regardless of weight category from Eurasia in the history of MMA, there were only a couple of fighters and Islam was already on that list. You are already history Brother."
Islam Makhachev open to a rematch against Charles Oliveira
During the post-fight press conference at UFC 284 lightweight champion Islam Makahchev stated that he would welcome a rematch with former champion Charles Oliveira in the future.
A potential title eliminator between 'Do Bronx' and Beneil Dariush is rumored to be in the works by the UFC and as Makahchev sees it, he'll happily fight Oliveira if the UFC orders the bout after the Brazilian defeats Dariush:
"Charles has [a] good fight [coming up]. I'm not sure if it's announced or not. If he beats Beneil [and] if the UFC wasn't to make this fight, I'll be ready."
The UFC is working on Charles Oliveira vs. Beneil Dariush for a May event, per The Schmo https://t.co/fs5HIdXFIA
'Do Bronx' is currently the No.1 ranked lightweight contender in the promotion. A win against the Iranian-American fighter would most likely position him as next in line for the title shot.