And for the former UFC light champion, the relationship with Islam Makhachev is not just a simple friendship. Before Nurmagomedov's father, Abdulmanap died of Covid complications last year, he told Nurmagomedov when this puncher took a break from MMA, Nurmagomedov helped Makhachev to reach the heights he was.
Islam Makhachev until September is the 30th birthday and this is Makhachev's UFC event, Nurmagomedov knows a very important turn for Makhachev waiting for him at UFC Vegas 31.
Islam Makhachev (January 19) is currently the Lightweight boxer ranked 7th in the MMA Fighting Global rankings. As the Dagestan, this puncher has a series of 7 wins before playing with Moises coming here. His most recent match was the victory of Submission against Drew Dober at UFC 259.
In the eyes of Nurmagomedov, he is also considered one of Makhachev coaches, now the right time for Makhachev to touch the title of UFC's Lightweight championship. Nurmagomedov thinks that Makhachev has the ability to defeat the top punches today, Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira.
“Islam will be 30 years old in October. This is the perfect time for the whole world to see who is the best. When I am 30 years old, I became UFC's Lightweight Champion.” – Nurmagomedov said.
“When you are 30 years old, your mental and physical will achieve the highest realm – 30, 31, 32, these are the perfect age. Islam is at this age, he has a very good series of victories. Mentally, physically, boxing, stone, struggling and everything else, Islam is superior to any other punches. Islam can completely end Dustin Poirier or beautiful Charles Oliveiririr.” – Nurmagomedov confirmed.
The Trilogy match between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor ended with the victory of Poirier. Poirier's next match is expected to take place later this year with the defending champion of Lightweight – Oliveira. Whether Makhachev will become a championship candidate for the championship, the earliest in early 2022 to fall when the match between Poirier and Oliveira ended.