UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev may have Khabib Nurmagomedov in his nook for his title protection at UFC 302 on Saturday.
Makhachev is ready to headline UFC 302 towards Dustin Poirier, and on Tuesday, he revealed that Nurmagomedov is now in New Jersey and will likely be in his nook on Saturday evening. Nurmagomedov had stepped away from combating and training in MMA, however he’s set to return and will likely be in Makhachev’s nook at UFC 302.
“The Eagle has landed” 🦅@MAKHACHEVMMA is happy to have @TeamKhabib again in his nook for #UFC302! pic.twitter.com/AcvpdByEnX
— UFC (@ufc) Could 28, 2024
“Eagle has landed in Jersey Metropolis. He’s going to be in my nook. Truthfully, I’m very pleased as a result of he’s top-of-the-line nook, coach, brother, buddy. That’s it,” Makhachev stated to the UFC.
Nurmagomedov wasn’t in Makhachev’s nook for his final two fights towards Alexander Volkanovski. The final time the previous champ cornered Makhachev was again at UFC 280 when he gained the light-weight title with a submission win over Charles Oliveira.
Why Khabib Nurmagomedov determined to nook Islam Makhachev once more is unsure, however it’s welcome information for the light-weight champ. Nurmagomedov was additionally seen teaching Makhachev in Russia earlier than this battle, so it does seem he has had an essential function on this battle. After all, Nurmagomedov had fought Poirier again in 2019 and he gained by submission.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has additionally predicted that Islam Makhachev will end Dustin Poirier faster than he did, as ‘The Eagle’ submitted ‘The Diamond’ within the third spherical.
“Dustin may be very skilled; he’s been in lots of battles already,” Nurmagomedov stated in a YouTube video showcasing Makhachev’s coaching camp. “Sure, he has misplaced, however he additionally has many victories within the UFC, greater than 22 or 23 wins. Utilizing our slang, he’s a seasoned warrior. You possibly can’t take him calmly. We’ve nice respect for Dustin, however on June 1, he’s our opponent. We’ve a clearly developed plan for the battle, and I consider Islam will observe it. I actually hope that Islam will end him off within the second or third spherical.”
Makhachev enters his UFC 302 title battle towards Dustin Poirier as a sizeable -575 favourite.