After a two-fight absence, Corridor of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov will return to Islam Makhachev’s nook at UFC 302 in opposition to Dustin Poirier.
Within the headliner of the pay-per-view occasion, Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) will look to defend his light-weight title in opposition to former interim titleholder Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) at Prudential Middle in Newark, N.J. (ESPN+ PPV).
Makhachev is worked up to have his shut pal again in his nook after Nurmagomedov was absent for consecutive victories over former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
“Eagle is landed in Jersey Metropolis,” Makhachev mentioned in a video on the UFC’s Instagram web page. “He’s going to be in my nook. Actually, I’m very blissful as a result of he’s probably the greatest nook, coach, brother, pal.”
Nurmagomedov was final current in Makhachev’s nook for the vacant light-weight title battle in opposition to Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Makhachev submitted Oliveira in Spherical 2 to develop into the brand new undisputed champion.
“The Eagle” was absent from Makhachev’s first and second title defenses in opposition to Volkanovski as he stepped away from the game fully to be together with his household. Even with out Nurmagomedov bodily current, Makhachev mentioned he nonetheless felt Nurmagomedov’s affect as he helped from afar. Makhachev would defeat Volkanovski by unanimous resolution of their first assembly after which land a vicious head kick for a first-round knockout within the rematch.
Mates since childhood, Makhachev and Nurmagomedov have been tightly linked all through their MMA careers as coaching companions. After retiring from competitors, Nurmagomedov grew to become a coach and mentor. Now, for his third light-weight title bout, Makhachev can have his prime cornerman at his facet to tackle Poirier.
Make sure to go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of blended martial arts.