Khabib Responds to Chael Sonnen Hailing the Nurmagomedovs as the Greatest Family in Combat Sports While Recognizing ‘Father’s Plan’

Khabib Nurmagomedov and his clan are about to take over the MMA world in January with three massive title fights within a week. It is a defining moment for the family, whose mission was forged by the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s vision, dubbed the ‘Father’s Plan’. Chael Sonnen has said that the fights could cement the Dagestani family as the greatest dynasty in combat sports history.

“The Nurmagomedovs could be the greatest family in combat sports, led by the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Hall of Fame? Absolutely,” said Sonnen.

Khabib, the family’s icon, and their head since his father’s death, responded in his typically curt, no-nonsense way.

“We here for work,” he said, the four words exemplifying the hard work, discipline and dominance that has helped the clan build its legacy.

Here’s the era-defining lineup of bouts: At UFC 311 on January 18, Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan, while Umar Nurmagomedov will tussle for his first UFC championship vs. Merab Dvalishvili. And, just a week later, Usman Nurmagomedov will put his PFL lightweight belt on the line against Paul Hughes.

Khabib has been closely working with Islam, Umar and Usman to ensure they come out victorious. However, the warriors are also concerned about the toll the fights would take on The Eagle because of the stress he will endure.

Makhachev feels bad for Khabib

At UFC 311, Islam will, after a long gap, face a world-class grappler in Tsarukyan. While the two have fought before, the stakes are much higher now.

Umar, on his part, seems to have already rattled Dvalishvili by the way he forced the bantamweight champion to accept the title match. Merab has been so angry at Umar that he has been seeing disrespect where there hasn’t been any. His attempt will be to finish Umar for good and silence all his critics.

With the volatile and heady narratives at play, it will be a difficult night for Khabib at UFC 311. Makhachev acknowledged the immense pressure on his coach and longtime friend:

“We try to make it easy, but it’s going to be a long night for him… I feel bad about Khabib it’s going to be a long night for him.”

But if anyone can handle the pressure, it’s Khabib. After all, guiding his team through moments like these is exactly what ‘Father’s Plan’ was all about.

And since his retirement, Khabib has been so successful as the head of the Nurmagomedovs that it even matches the aura of his all-conquering career as a fighter.