‘You Will Fight for the Belt’- Khabib Nurmagomedov Asks Islam Makhachev To Bide His Time

Former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov is currently retired from the sport of MMA. However, Nurmagomedov’s long-time teammate, Islam Makhachev has made his presence significant in the lightweight division of the UFC. Many have tipped Makhachev to be a future UFC champion as well.

Recently, in an interview, ‘The Eagle’ shared some important words of advice for his teammate. Nurmagomedov thoroughly believes Makhachev has the potential to become a UFC champion in the future. However, the Dagestani has urged his mate to be persistent in his effort and keep on stacking up wins in the UFC’s lightweight division.

“Come out against everyone and finish it ahead of schedule, and when the time comes, you will fight for the belt,” said Nurmagomedov in Russian. Makhachev currently holds a professional record of 19-1. He has been fighting in the UFC since 2015. A loss to Adriano Martins in his second fight in the promotion is the only stain in his professional career.

The Russian is currently on a 7-fight winning streak in the UFC’s lightweight division. His most recent win came against Drew Dober by submission in a statement performance. He last fought at the UFC 259 pay-per-view.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 06: (R-L) Islam Makhachev works for a submission against Drew Dober in their lightweight fight during the UFC 259 event at UFC APEX on March 06, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Gleison Tibau, Nik Lentz, Arman Tsarukiyan, and more have been some other notable victims of Makhachev over the course of his UFC career so far.

What’s next for Islam Makhachev?

Makhachev is set to headline a UFC card for the first time in his career as he prepares to take on Thiago Moises in July. This will be a big opportunity for the Dagestani fighter. A UFC main event never fails to garner attention from the fight fans. So, he will have an extra few eyeballs on him this time.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 05: (L-R) Opponents Islam Makhachev and Drew Dober face off during the UFC 259 weigh-in at UFC APEX on March 05, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

The 29-year-old certainly has the potential to be a world champion. And in the famous American Kickboxing Academy gym, he has some of the best mentors of the game around him.

Will Makhachev eventually become a UFC champion? Let us know your thoughts.

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