UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov sweeps lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in a friendly bout
A video of Dagestani grappling savants Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev partaking in a friendly grappling session has been making the rounds on the internet.
The footage features MMA legend Nurmagomedov in the bottom position, with Makhachev in the top position grappling to get to a better spot in his compatriot's guard.
However, 'The Eagle' swiftly sweeps Makhachev and ends up in the top position, impressively securing full mount. It's unclear when the grappling session transpired. Regardless, Nurmagomedov's fearsome agility and impeccable technique – even during friendly sparring – have piqued the interest of the MMA community.
Watch Nurmagomedov sweep Makhachev in the video below (Video courtesy: @bloodyuppercut Instagram account):
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are childhood friends and longtime training partners. Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA), a former UFC lightweight champion, retired from MMA in October 2020. Meanwhile, Makhachev (23-1 MMA) captured the UFC lightweight title in October 2022 and is the reigning champion heading into the New Year.
Incredible scenes 😍
Islam Makhachev is crowned the UFC Lightweight Champion as Khabib Nurmagomedov delivers a lap of honour with him on his shoulders 🏆
@makhachevmma 🤝 @teamkhabib
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Earlier this year, American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) head coach Javier Mendez alluded to the fact that Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are often compared to one another.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, Mendez suggested that Nurmagomedov and Makhachev's styles are somewhat similar. However, he emphasized that Makhachev possesses considerably better striking skills than Nurmagomedov. Indicating that Makhachev is better than Nurmagomedov overall, Mendez stated:
"Islam was smart enough to train with other people, he has great coaches at home that are working with him. His striking is further ahead than Khabib's ever was, only because of the fact that Islam was working year-round on his striking."
Watch Mendez's assessment at 3:05:
Khabib Nurmagomedov predicts how Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski could play out
UFC lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev is scheduled to defend his belt against UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 on February 12, 2023. In an interview with ESPN MMA's Brett Okamoto, Khabib Nurmagomedov analyzed the matchup and explained how Makhachev would defeat 'The Great':
"Volkanovski? Clinch, lot of knees; he's gonna eat a lot of knees. He [Makhachev] is gonna take his [Volkanovski's] all energy, take him down, and he's gonna choke him out... Of course, Volkanovski can box. He have amazing experience. How many times he defended his title, everything – but, brother, this is like, Thai clinch gonna kill him."
Watch Nurmagomedov's assessment at 5:37 in the video below:
Khabib Nurmagomedov opined that although Alexander Volkanovski has a few months to prepare for Islam Makhachev, it's not enough as Makhachev has been honing his skills for about 20 years. Lauding Makhachev's famed wrestling, Thai clinch, and left hand, 'The Eagle' picked him to dethrone Volkanovski as the UFC's No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter.
Makhachev. Volkanovski. Lightweight Title. P4P Status. Perth. February. OFFICIAL 🤩
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