Khabib Nurmagomedov, the legendary former UFC lightweight champion, has retired from mixed martial arts, leaving behind an impressive legacy. His decision to hang up his gloves in 2020 followed the passing of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and took many fans by surprise. While his retirement brought a change in the lightweight division, it opened the door for his teammate, Islam Makhachev, to rise to the forefront of the sport.
Since then, Makhachev has claimed the title and has been making headlines of his own. He has defended his belt, equalling Nurmagomedov’s record for lightweight title defences, defeating top contenders such as Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier. However, during an insightful interview, Makhachev revealed a rather amusing reason for not wanting Khabib to return to the octagon.
When asked about Nurmagomedov’s potential comeback, Makhachev playfully stated, “No! Why do I need this? I don’t need extra competition.” His light-hearted response underscores the camaraderie and competitive spirit between the two fighters. Makhachev’s sentiments reflect an understanding that having a former teammate and a fighter of Khabib’s calibre competing alongside him could make the path to defending his title much more challenging.
Despite recognising Khabib’s skills, Makhachev’s perspective illustrates the unique challenges faced by fighters at the elite level. With each victory, the stakes are raised higher. Makhachev has established himself as the pound-for-pound best fighter, and the last thing he would want is to share the spotlight with the man he has succeeded. His mention of “extra competition” hints at the intense desire for position and recognition that exists within the sport.
Makhachev’s rise to champion followed a long road of hard work, dedication, and training under the watchful eye of Khabib. Since stepping into the role of champion after Nurmagomedov’s retirement, he now shoulders the pressure and expectations that come with the title. Maintaining that position becomes a priority, and one can understand why he would prefer to avoid facing his legendary teammate.
Although Nurmagomedov has consistently stated his disinterest in a comeback, Makhachev’s thoughts on the matter provide an interesting slice of life for fans. Makhachev’s jokes aside, there has been no indication that Khabib is considering a return to action, as he quipped that there is “no chance, none. Not even 1 per cent, minus [chance].” With both fighters supporting each other, the focus remains on the challenges ahead for Makhachev as he gears up for his next fight.
As Makhachev prepares for his anticipated return in January, the lightweight division will be keeping a close eye on his journey. The witty take on avoiding competition from Khabib Nurmagomedov adds a light-hearted element to an otherwise competitive atmosphere, exemplifying the brotherhood that exists among the fighters from Dagestan.
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