Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are friends and training partners. Photo: Reproduction.
Islam Makhachev will face Ian Garry in his first welterweight title defense (up to 77,1 kg) on August 15th at UFC 330 in Philadelphia (USA). Before the fight, coach Javier Mendez revealed details of the Russian champion's routine and highlighted a characteristic that, according to him, brings Islam closer to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
In an interview with Submission Radio, the leader of the American Kickboxing Academy stated that Makhachev has assumed a leadership role within the team, helping other athletes during training. According to Mendez, the current welterweight champion is repeating a posture that was common in Khabib when the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) was still active.
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“Islam does the same thing Khabib used to do. When Khabib finished sparring and knew some of his brothers were going to train together, he wouldn’t continue training. He would watch the sparring to give advice. Islam is doing the same thing,” said the veteran coach.
According to Javier Mendez, Islam Makhachev 's evolution is not only linked to his performance inside the octagon, but also to his ability to lead and transmit knowledge to his teammates.
Makhachev's demeanor during training reinforces the influence of the style created by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and continued by Khabib. According to Mendez, the welterweight champion already demonstrates the characteristics of a future leader, capable of following in the footsteps of his former teammate and serving as a role model for a new generation of fighters.
Russia vs. Ireland reignites historic rivalry in the UFC.
Khabib Nurmagomedov (left) faces Conor McGregor (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC.
UFC 330 will feature a main event: the welterweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry . Beyond the title bout, the fight also revives a rivalry that marked one of the most emblematic periods in the organization's recent history: Russia versus Ireland.
A disciple of Khabib Nurmagomedov and the leading representative of the Dagestani fighting school today, Makhachev carries on the legacy left by the former undefeated lightweight champion. On the other side, Garry emerges as the main Irish star of the new generation and seeks to repeat the prominence that Conor McGregor brought to the country during his meteoric rise in the event.
Although lacking the personal rivalry that marked the historic confrontation between Khabib and McGregor, the duel puts Russia and Ireland back in the spotlight of the UFC. This time, in addition to national pride, the welterweight title and a prominent position at the highest level of the sport will be at stake.
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