Nurmagomedov backed his friend and teammate to prevail in Abu Dhabi this weekend
Russian UFC lightweight title contender Islam Makhachev will relish the pressure of the biggest fight of his career against Charles Oliveira in Abu Dhabi this weekend, according to mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Makhachev is aiming to ascend to the throne once occupied by Khabib as the UFC’s 155lbs ruler – but to do that, he must overcome the formidable challenge of Oliveira.
The Brazilian is the UFC’s most recent lightweight champion, having won the title vacated by the retired Khabib and defending it once – only to be stripped of his status after weighing in heavy before his last trip to the Octagon against Justin Gaethje back in May.
This time around in Abu Dhabi, both Oliveira and Makhachev have made weight for their showdown, meaning Saturday’s main event at the Etihad Arena is official.
Khabib will be in the corner of his fellow Dagestani, fulfilling his role as mentor to the 31-year-old Makhachev.
“This is the biggest fight of his life. I can say what he feels. He feels pressure, he’s nervous, he’s very excited. He feels his dream is very close to becoming true,” Khabib told Red Corner MMA as he reflected on his own championship experience – which included title defenses against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje in Abu Dhabi.
“All the team are here to help him, to push him, to share our advice and give him knowledge and good energy, to take the belt and make one more history.”