Watch: Khabib Nurmagomedov gives Islam Makhachev the blueprint to beat Charles Oliveira moments before fight
Khabib Nurmagomedov has been able to translate the success he had as a fighter into his newfound role as MMA coach. 'The Eagle' retired from the sport in 2020, and has since begun to coach his fellow teammates at the American Kickboxing Academy.
Following Islam Makhachev's title victory at UFC 280, Nurmagomedov can now call himself the coach and mentor of a world champion.
Recent footage has emerged of 'The Eagle' talking to Makhachev prior to the fight against Charles Oliveira, offering his teammate some last-minute advice before the UFC 280 headliner.
Given how the fight unfolded, Nurmagomedov's advice was more than suitable:
"If you get close, then fight him confidently. One good hit and he's lost, but we have no purpose to exchange. Hit him hard and fight, or enter the clinch."
Watch the video below:
(BREAKING) Anatomy of UFC 280 - Before and After The Madness ft @MAKHACHEVMMA @bullyb170 @TeamKhabib @Rizvan_RM @Hasbulla_NFT @akajav and more drops in 30 mins… #ufc280 #anatomyofafighter Here we gooooo youtube.com/watch?v=VGVsxc… https://t.co/z7aLKv2qcP
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have been close friends and training partners for over two decades.
The joy that 'The Eagle' felt for his friend after Makhachev won the title is evident by how urgently Nurmagomedov scaled the cage-fence to celebrate the victory.
Khabib Nurmagomedov calls Islam Makhchev "highest level" champion ever
Khabib Nurmagomedov has shared a close friendship with Islam Makhachev for many years. The pair grew up together in Dagestan and have been training partners since they were kids.
Makhachev recently fulfilled the long-time dream of the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of 'The Eagle'. Abdulmanap has always envisioned Makhachev being crowned champion after his son, and at UFC 280, the vision was realized.
Given how long Nurmagomedov and Makhachev have trained together, 'The Eagle' is arguably more familiar with his friend's skillset than anyone else. Considering this, 'The Eagle' took to Instagram to call Makhachev the "highest level" champion of all time.
"I've seen a lot of champions and a lot of champion level fighters, but @islam_makhachev is the highest level. My father, then myself, kept saying many times that Islam is the top one, and yesterday we all got convinced in that. And the most interesting thing about all this is that this is just the beginning"
See the post below:
Khabib Nurmagomedov was part of Makhachev's corner team for UFC 280, and will hope to see his friend defend the lightweight belt for many years to come.