Photos: Khabib Nurmagomedov goes hard on Islam Makhachev in one-on-one training session, shares pictures with five-word message
Khabib Nurmagomedov is ramping up Islam Makhachev's preparations for the latter's highly anticipated rematch against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. The two shared intense one-on-one training sessions, as captured in a series of photographs posted by Khabib.
Along with the images, 'The Eagle' included a five-word message:
“4 weeks before the storm 👊"
Check out some of the photographs below:
Their first encounter in 2019 was a hard-fought battle, with Makhachev securing a unanimous decision victory against Tsarukyan after a competitive and grappling-heavy bout. Since then, Makhachev has been on a 14-fight win streak and is the reigning lightweight champion.
Tsarukyan, on a nine-fight win streak himself, enters the rematch as one of Makhachev’s most dangerous challengers. This rematch, headlining UFC 311, is one of the most highly anticipated lightweight clashes of the upcoming year.
The co-main event will feature UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defending his title against undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov, adding further excitement to the night.
Khabib Nurmagomedov breaks down the only way to beat Belal Muhammad
Khabib Nurmagomedov recently offered a detailed analysis of what it would take to defeat newly crowned welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. The UFC Hall of Famer, who has trained Muhammad, described the immense challenges any opponent, including Islam Makhachev would face in a potential clash.
Speaking on the Pound 4 Pound Show with Henry Cejudo, Nurmagomedov admitted:
"My heart, not okay, but it would be hard for Islam to beat Belal. He is very hard to beat... 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 below (8:00):