Chael Sonnen is in awe of the way Team Khabib Nurmagomedov operates. The former middleweight contender praised how everyone in the team is treated equally, regardless of their fighting prowess, financial status or fame. Citing the discipline and the camaraderie the Dagestani camp has displayed over the years in the highly individualistic sport, Sonnen called it the “realest team” in MMA.
“They will all eat the same thing, they will all dress the same, and they will all be at practice at the same time. They’re a very real team. They are the realest team that we have in MMA,” said Sonnen on his Youtube channel.
View this post on Instagram
Sonnen also highlighted how lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, despite being the team’s most financially successful member, receives no special treatment. The entire squad trains together, maintaining a level of discipline and equality rarely seen in modern MMA camps.
This dynamic sets Team Khabib apart from the rest, added Sonnen. It’s not just about winning fights for them. They have fostered a culture of equity and mutual respect that ensures everyone works just as hard as the next person. Everyone wants to be at the top but no one is willing to step on a teammate’s toes or push them down for it.
This was evident when Khabib was the lightweight champion. Islam never challenged for the title at the time. And they have extended this courtesy to friends of the camp as well. When Belal Muhammad was the welterweight champ, Islam has maintained that he wouldn’t be moving up to 170 lbs to challenge for the title.
The Dagestani camp is known to function as a hive, with Khabib at its head. And it is because of this bond that they have a real chance of making history at UFC 311.
Two world titles on the line for Team Khabib in January
On January 18, Usman Nurmagomedov will begin the action for Team Khabib, taking on Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title. After much fuss and repeated public callouts, Usman has managed to get Merab to put the title at stake.
The fight won’t be an easy one for Usman. On paper, the Dagestani is considered more skilled. However, Merab is a relentless pressure machine and could out-grapple Usman for a decision win. That is exactly what he did when he faced Sean O’Malley at UFC: Noche earlier this year. So, Usman will have his task cut out.
A victory would set a positive tone for Team Khabib as later, Islam will defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan in the main event.
Makhachev can cement his dominance in the division with a win. He would have had four successful title defenses, most by any lightweight champion in UFC history, and will be set to explore greener pastures.
Victories at UFC 311 would also make Team Khabib the only one in the UFC with two active world champions in their ranks.
