Khabib Nurmagomedov surprisingly picks Mateusz Gamrot as potential opponent for Islam Makhachev over Beneil Dariush

Khabib Nurmagomedov will corner Islam Makhachev in his first lightweight title opportunity against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. The UFC Hall of Famer recently shared a potential opponent that he believes Makhachev will face in the future.

UFC

@ufc

The fight you’ve all been asking for

@CharlesDoBronxs vs @MakhachevMMA is set for the LW title

[ #UFC280 | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi ]

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The fight you’ve all been asking for 👀

@CharlesDoBronxs vs @MakhachevMMA is set for the LW title 👑

[ #UFC280 | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi ] https://t.co/GhqjbwZ0LM

Khabib Nurmagomedov, widely regarded as the greatest lightweight of all-time, is now retired and focused on coaching. With his close friend and former training partner set to compete for the lightweight title, Khabib suggested that a matchup against Mateusz Gamrot could be in Islam Makhachev's future.

Nurmagomedov posted an image of the two lightweights during the media day for UFC 280. He captioned the photo:

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"They will fight in future I’m sure"

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's tweet below:

khabib nurmagomedov

@TeamKhabib

They will fight in future I’m sure

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They will fight in future I’m sure https://t.co/LYJDllkYWx

Nurmagomedov's post is noteworthy, as Gamrot's UFC 280 opponent, Beneil Dariush, is managed by Ali Abdelaziz, who previously managed 'The Eagle' and currently manages Makhachev. It is unclear, however, if the UFC legend is suggesting that Gamrot will emerge victorious or if he is simply praising his skills.

Last month, the undefeated retired fighter previously tweeted that Oliveira might not show up for UFC 280, suggesting Dariush could take his spot instead.

khabib nurmagomedov

@TeamKhabib

I just think Charles Oliveira will not show up in Abu Dhabi and the UFC will replace Charles with Beneil Dariush.

Regardless of who the opponent will be, @MAKHACHEVMMA is on his way to becoming the best in the world #ufc280

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I just think Charles Oliveira will not show up in Abu Dhabi and the UFC will replace Charles with Beneil Dariush.

Regardless of who the opponent will be, @MAKHACHEVMMA is on his way to becoming the best in the world #ufc280

Dariush responded by brushing off Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments, while offering Oliveira praise. While it is possible that Nurmagomedov took offense to the remarks of the No.6-ranked lightweight, it is more likely that he is simply suggesting that Gamrot will work his way into title contention.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov is a tough coach and mentor

Leading up to UFC 280, Islam Makhachev sat down with Adam Catterall of BT Sport. One of the topics discussed was Khabib Nurmagomedov's transition to coaching. The No.4-ranked lightweight revealed that his former training partner is a very difficult coach, stating:

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"Sometimes, I am angry because he's not training now and push us so hard. I told the other coach 'Hey, this guy not control' because if we did sparring or wrestling - I remember when we're training we did sparring, grappling... wrestling and then finished [the training]... but always he have some exercise after this training."

Makhachev was asked if Nurmagomedov is tougher as a coach than his late father. He responded:

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"Yeah, I think so because he don't have too much experience being a coach, but he push us so hard. For example, this camp, just this week I have light training, but all other couple months, so hard."

While Makhachev may be angry with Khabib's style of coaching at times, the tough training can be justified with a victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Khabib dominated the lightweight division, retiring undefeated. The former lightweight champion knows what it takes to achieve greatness and Makhachev will now have the chance to follow his path.

Watch Islam Makhachev discuss Khabib Nurmagomedov as a coach below (starting at the 7:37 mark):

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