Khabib Nurmagomedov breaks down the only way to beat Belal Muhammad, even if the opponent is Islam Makhachev: "Very hard to prepare"
Islam Makhachev last entered the octagon in June as he defeated Dustin Poirier via fifth-round submission at UFC 302 to defend his lightweight title for the third time. He is set to return to the octagon next month as he faces Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311.
While the lightweight champion has previously discussed his goal of becoming a double champ, those plans are unclear now that Belal Muhammad has captured the welterweight title. Makhachev's close friend and training partner Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has also coached 'Remember the Name', recently shared his thoughts on a potential clash.
Speaking to Henry Cejudo of the Pound 4 Pound Show, the UFC Hall of Famer was asked if he is okay with the matchup. He responded:
"My heart, not okay, but it would be hard for Islam to beat Belal. He is very hard to beat... Of course [Khabib would be with Makhachev], but I don't think it's ever going to happen, but for me it's going to be very hard to prepare somebody to beat Belal."
Nurmagomedov added:
"If you want to beat Belal, I think you have to stop him. Without stoppage, it's going to be very hard to do. What are you going to do? Okay, if you take him down, it's very hard to control him for 25 minutes, first of all. And second, it is very hard to dominate with him on striking game in all 25 minutes because he mixes it up. He doesn't stand with you all 25 minutes. He wrestles and strikes, wrestles and strikes. He's good."
Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments on Belal Muhammad and Islam Makhachev below (8:00):
It is unclear if Makhachev still has plans to pursue a second title with Muhammad now holding the belt. Nurmagomedov noted that he would like to see the welterweight champion face Kamaru Usman.
Arman Tsarukyan shares why Islam Makhachev will not receive an immediate rematch if he wins
Islam Makhachev will have the opportunity to break a tie with B.J. Penn, Frankie Edgar, Benson Henderson, and Khabib Nurmagomedov by defending his lightweight title for a record fourth time when he faces Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 next month. 'Ahalkalakets' recently revealed that the champion will not receive an immediate rematch if he can capture the title.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the No. 1-ranked lightweight was asked if he believes there will be an immediate rematch. He responded:
"I don't think so. It's going to be Ramadan and I want to fight as soon as possible... In May would be great because I got to make money. After the belt, I'm going to make money."
Check out Arman Tsarukyan's comments on an immediate rematch with Islam Makhachev below:
Makhachev previously welcomed Tsarukyan to the promotion at UFC Fight Night 149 in 2019. Despite losing the bout via unanimous decision, 'Ahalkalakets' received plenty of praise for his performance as he took the bout on short notice and was just 22 years old at the time.