Fans have been wondering who would win in a hypothetical fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev for years. However, the answer to this question may lie in the past. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, an influential figure in the Dagestani MMA community, not only trained Khabib to become a champion but also paved the way for Islam Makhachev to follow in Khabib’s footsteps. Surprisingly, there was a time when Abdulmanap almost gave up coaching fighters.
This was due to an incident that occurred between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. Abdulmanap had made a decision that Khabib would be the champion, and when his time was done, Islam would be the next champion.
Despite Abdulmanap’s momentary doubts, his decision eventually came to fruition. After Khabib’s retirement, Islam Makhachev has become a rising star in the UFC.
Moreover, He also became a champion and is now looking to become the P4P #1 fighter. It’s a shame that Abdulmanap wasn’t there to witness it, but his legacy lives on through the success of his two star pupils.
Khabib took on a fleeing Islam Makhachev
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov faced a major setback when six of his fighters, including Islam Mamedov, left him for the team Champion. This incident took a toll on Khabib’s father, who was considering giving up coaching. However, the following year, Khabib and Islam Makhachev met in the Finals, where Khabib emerged victorious.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Islam Mamedov
6 fighters including Islam Mamedov left Abdulmanap for the team “Champion” (Khabib’s father wanted to stop coaching because of that incident). The next year, Khabib and Islam Mamedov met in the semi-finals pic.twitter.com/h0vMbWgBxT
— MiracleM96 (@Deli964) April 16, 2023
Despite the setback, it seems that everything turned out well for Abdulmanap’s team in the end. Islam Makhachev left the team with Rustam Khabilov, Islam Mamedov, Magomedorasul Hasbulaev, Magomed Alhasov and two other unknown fighters. Nevertheless, Makhachev persevered and is now the UFC champion.
It’s a testament to Abdulmanap’s coaching abilities that so many of his students have gone on to achieve great success in the MMA world.
Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about his late father
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was a central figure in Khabib’s career as one of his main coaches, along with American Kickboxing Academy’s Javier Mendez. Khabib’s retirement was ultimately prompted by the loss of his father, to whom he was very close.
After promising his mother he wouldn’t continue fighting without his father, Khabib hung up his gloves.
He said,
“It’s been a year today since the Father is gone. This event has increased my belief that in this world we own nothing, not out children, not our parents, not our property. Everything we have is temporary.”
Reflecting on his father’s passing one year later, Khabib’s retirement still weighs heavily on the MMA world. Khabib’s last fight was in October 2020 at UFC 254, where he defended his lightweight title with a submission win over Justin Gaethje.
He retired at age 32, with a perfect record of 29-0. Khabib’s legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time is secure, and he will be remembered as a testament to his father’s coaching and guidance.
