"Nobody cares" - Khabib Nurmagomedov gives Islam Makhachev reality check when he complains about media obligations
Khabib Nurmagomedov has been encouraging Islam Makhachev to deal with the media in the most professional way.
Makhachev is set for a huge fight against Bobby Green at UFC Fight Night 202 on February 26. As the card's headliner, the Dagestani fighter has had to deal with a lot of media and seems to be getting tired of all the attention.
Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov has been supportive of his friend leading up to the fight. The former UFC lightweight champion wants Makhachev to brush off the pressure and cope with the media as it is part of his job.
In a promo video ahead of UFC Vegas 49, Nurmagomedov talks about Makhachev's difficulties in dealing with the spotlight:
“I think this is like [a] big preparation before fight for the title. I think he [Makhachev] little bit complain about too much media. Like coach Javier [Mendez] said, ‘If you don’t want [interviews], just lose. Nobody gonna come.’ Everything [is] very simple."
After a photoshoot and interview, Makhachev can be seen complaining that he is too exhausted. Nurmagomedov reminds him about the importance of media obligations once again:
"This is your job, brother... Who cares about you’re tired. Nobody cares. You have to do this.”
Watch the full promo video below:
Khabib Nurmagomedov affirms Islam Makhachev is not sleeping on Bobby Green
Islam Makhachev was originally slated for a lightweight showdown against fellow top contender Beneil Dariush. However, an injury forced Dariush to pull out of the fight, and the unranked Bobby Green stepped up on short notice.
Khabib Nurmagomedov insists that Makhachev is not underestimating Green. In a recent conversation with Young 'n' Faded MMA Society, 'The Eagle' said:
“There will be no underestimating from our side. Islam and I have had long discussions about him, watched his fights. Bobby Green won't be underestimated, because he's a very interesting, psychologically strong, tough fighter."
Watch Khabib Nurmagomedov break down Makhachev's fight with Bobby Green below:
Former UFC two-division champion Daniel Cormier recently highlighted Green's deep background in wrestling. 'King' was a wrestling champion back in high school and has earned a reputation as a tough fighter.
However, Makhachev remains unfazed and still thinks Green is just a good boxer. In a recent interview on ESPN's DC & RC show, he told Cormier:
“He [Green] have good boxing and that's it."
Watch Islam Makhachev talk about Bobby Green below: