Khabib Nurmagomedov may not return to the Octagon to compete any time soon, but his heir apparent in Islam Makhachev is channeling the Dagestani’s dominant energy. Makhachev is set to face Thiago Moises this Saturday night, and his mentor sees Makhachev moving on to fight bigger, badder men – and sweep them aside, too.
Speaking to ESPN, Khabib praised the younger fighter, describing the various ways in which Islam Makhachev can and will take on the lightweight division’s top tier: “I think he’s a little bit ahead of all these lightweights.
Makhachev will “finish” and “maul” Poirier or Oliveira – Khabib
I truly believe he can finish Dustin Poirier. Maybe Dustin’s gonna be upset, but I truly believe he can finish Dustin Poirier.
He can maul Charles Oliveira. I don’t think Charles can play with him like this, all jiu-jitsu guard. We just need time and no accidents.”
Makhachev is touted as a potential world champion, and as we all know from Rocky, you have to beat the best to be the best. With Khabib’s domination of the lightweight division out of the way, Makhachev may well have the path cleared for him to rise to the top.
Khabib’s camp has long praised Makhachev’s ability in the Octagon, showering the younger fighter with praise. In 2019, Khabib even placed his freshly-earned championship belt in front of Makhachev, simply saying “future champion”.
Islam Makhachev is currently on a seven-fight win streak, folllowing the sole loss of his professional career. Should Islam defeat Moises, as his team expects him to, Islam will be looking for a top-ranked opponent next. He’s already mentioned Tony Ferguson as a possibility, inheriting Khabib’s longest-running rivalry in the division.
Makhachev himself outlined his path to victory earlier: “Honestly, I think I have two more steps.
Dos Anjos and maybe some other guy. Beginning of 2022, they have to give me title fight. A lot of people have told me for a long time, I have to be champion.
I will just train hard, and one day, I’m going to be champion.” Khabib puts it more simply:
“Best in the world. Eight-fight win streak. He beat everyone. “This guy has to fight for the title not because he is my brother or friend or something like this. He is very good.”
What do you think of Khabib’s assessment? Will Islam Makhachev take out Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira, ascending like Khabib before him to the top of the lightweight division? Let us know in the comments.
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