Khabib Nurmagomedov did not take time to congratulate fellow countryman Islam Makhachev after Makhachev retained his lightweight belt and became the new pound-for-pound greatest fighter in the world.
No disrespect to Islam but if khabib would be there in his corner he could have finished Alexander in 3 rounds.
I mean just look at how close Islam was to finish but lacked a bunch of guidance.
Though it was an amazing fight he surprised everyone in his striking and it was + pic.twitter.com/wnCZNszz6r— Mr.Haque (@faizulhaque95) February 12, 2023
In the main event of UFC 284, which took place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski faced each other in the octagon for the highly anticipated super battle.
By scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, Makhachev retained his lightweight title by defeating Alexander Volkanovski, the defending featherweight champion. Islam said, “I am the best fighter in the world,” in his postmatch interview.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1BHoRCFDrGM
As Khabib was celebrating the victory of Islam against the Australian fighter, he took to social media to congratulate his fellow Dagestani friend and declare him the best.
”Simply the best. Proved it in a hard competitive fight against the best active fighter on the planet. There is always something to work on. But this story will remain for a long time in this sport.” said Khabib.
The Eagle was at the corner rooting for Islam when he fought and defeated Charles Oliveira for the lightweight championship in October of last year. Khabib’s presence, by continually suggesting what to do and how to do it, greatly motivated Islam to achieve that triumph.
Islam has already made history in Khabib's eyes đ¤ #UFC284
(via @TeamKhabib) pic.twitter.com/anOPTlI0Ya
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 12, 2023
The former lightweight champion made an unexpected announcement of his retirement in January, putting an end to his involvement with the sport in the roles of coach and promoter. This is why the 34-year-old wasn’t at the corner for Makhachev this time.
”Just have a flashback on your memory of who topped the best regardless of weight category from Eurasia in the history of MMA, there were only a couple of fighters and Islam was already on that list. You are already history brother.” Khabib further added.
Top 3 GOAT of mma đŚ @TeamKhabibđ pic.twitter.com/NKdQ980oQv
— StrawHat James đ (@Labitad24JamesB) February 8, 2023
Earlier, Khabib Nurmagomedov referred to this time period as “the Makhachev era,” and he mapped out a roadmap for Islam’s career that encompassed anything from five to six title defenses.
