Islam Makhachev joked that he is struggling now that his former training partner has taken on a prominent coaching role in his camp.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has become one of the most respected trainers in the world since retiring from fighting after choking Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020.
'The Eagle' incredibly has champions in the UFC, Bellator and PFL at the end of 2024.
However, his star pupil recently revealed that success is earned through arduous gym sessions, which he believes Daniel Cormier can help calm down.
Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images
Islam Makhachev asks Daniel Cormier for help
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev recently spoke with his former training partner Daniel Cormier, who was his teammate at Javier Mendez's AKA gym.
The 33-year-old Russian mainly talked about his upcoming fight with top contender Arman Tsarukyan, against whom he will defend his title at UFC 311 on January 18.
At one point, Cormier brought up Makhachev getting “destroyed” during practice later that day.
The UFC star immediately invited 'DC' to the gym in an attempt to control Nurmagomedov, who seemingly rules with an iron fist.
Makhachev said: 'Maybe you can come to us and control him a little, because he doesn't listen to Javier. I always say to Javier: 'You're the head coach, you're older than him. Stop him'.
Cormier replied: “He's just a psychopath, no one can control him. I have no control over him.
Makhachev pleaded. “Try, try, try. Come to camp, man… It will also be very good for you, brother, to lose weight.
Cormier admitted: “I come around, but I have no control over this man…
“Hey, you better stop talking about my weight because you look like you gained a few pounds.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov previews the UFC superfight
Islam Makhachev has been open about his desire to win the UFC welterweight title, currently held by Belal Muhammad following his victory over Leon Edwards in July.
Muhammad has trained with Team Khabib in the past, but he is not part of their squad. Still, the 29-0 legend would prefer if Makhachev avoided a fight with 'Remember The Name' as his 'heart is not right' with the match.
Nurmagomedov said: “If they had asked me to fight Belal when I was an active fighter, [my answer would be] no – but for example Belal and Islam, okay, you have to talk to them [about that].
“My heart, my heart is not right [with this]it would be difficult [for me] to prepare Islam to defeat Belal.”
Interestingly, Nurmagomedov was also quoted as saying, “I don't think this will ever happen,” whether that means Makhachev will give up his championship aspirations while Mohammed remains champion is unclear.
He added: “For me it is [always] It will be very difficult to prepare anyone to beat Belal.
“If you want to beat Belal, I think you have to stop him. Without interruption it becomes very difficult. What are you going to do? Okay, let's say if you take him down, it's very difficult to control him for 25 minutes in the first place.
“Secondly, it is very difficult to dominate him in striking play for all 25 minutes because he mixes things up. He doesn't stay with you for the whole 25 minutes, he struggles and hits, struggles and hits; he is good.”
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