“I Don’t Want to Live Life Like Khabib Nurmagomedov”- Islam Makhachev Makes a Shocking Claim

Islam Makhachev has been highly rated by Khabib Nurmagomedov for a while now. ‘The Eagle’ believes that Makhachev is the fighter who will continue his legacy in the UFC. Makhachev is potentially one fight away from challenging for the title if he secures a win over Dan Hooker this weekend at UFC 267. 

From the time that he has been in the UFC, Makhachev has maintained that he wants to emulate Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘The Eagle’ is an inspiration and a role model for the 30-year-old and he aims to follow Nurmagomedov’s footsteps. 

However, there are parts of Nurmagomedov’s life that Makhachev is not a fan of and will not follow once he becomes a champion. In a sit-down interview with Daniel Cormier, he explained why that is so. Makhachev said, “You know, I don’t want to live life like Khabib. You know, he travel a lot. He is still training everyday. He come every fight support all guys. After when I retire,  I want just little bit rest you know, spend lot of time with family, friends and don’t travel too much. Because I so much love Dagestan.”

Read More:- “It Is Impossible to Respect Him as a Person” -Khamzat Chimaev on Conor McGregor’s Behavior

Will Islam Makhachev need a finish to secure a title shot?

Makhachev has been unbeaten in the UFC since his knockout loss against Adriano Martins in October 2015. Since then, he has won eight fights on the trot. The only person in the lightweight division that comes close to him in terms of win streak in the UFC is the champion, Charles Oliveira. ‘Do Bronx’ will defend his title against Dustin Poirier in the last PPV event of the year. 

Just one week after Makhachev’s fight, Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler will face off in an epic lightweight clash. The winner of that fight and the winner of Hooker vs Makhachev will be in contention for the next title shot. Islam Makhachev should rightfully get the title shot if he secures a win against Hooker given both Gaethje and Chandler came up short in their title challenge in just their last outings respectively. 

However, many fans and pundits also believe that If Makhachev looks lackluster or is unable to finish Hooker, he might be jumped by the winner of Chandler vs Gaethje for a title shot. 

Watch this story:- Khamzat Chimaevs Best Moments in His UFC Career Thus Far

Who do you think deserves the next title shot at lightweight? Let us know in the comments below!

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