‘I didn’t agree with this plan’… The dispute that might have resulted in Islam Makhachev suffering his only defeat

In the week before Islam Makhachev suffered his only loss against Adriano Martins, there was major disagreement in the Russian camp.

And that ordeal may have cost the icon his undefeated record.

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov did not want Islam Makhachev to strike

Leading up to UFC 192, Islam Makhachev had been working extremely hard in the striking department.

The Dagestani showed his natural talent and made astronomical improvements, to the extent that Javier Mendez wanted him to use his fists in battle.

However, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov completely disagreed and begged his fellow coach and fighter to reconsider.

Unfortunately, they went ahead with the plan, and it cost Makhachev a lot of money.

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At an event in Russia, Khabib Nurmagomedov's father said: “In my work, I think the biggest regret is that I agreed with Javier Mendez about exchanging blows in the struggle of Islam.

“Islam came to me and said, 'I will exchange blows.' I said, 'At least you can give me the first round. Don't trade. He is very dangerous in the first round.'

“Javier said: 'Islam is ready; let him do it'. I didn't agree with them. They both tried to convince me for a week.

'I wrote it in my diary and had them both write that I did not agree with this plan. Islam Makhachev was dropped; this was his first defeat.

“That's why I say to Islam: 'Don't listen to me if you want to get knocked out again'.”

Paddy Pimblett agrees Islam Makhachev 'wouldn't stand a chance' against him

In the years since, Makhachev has learned from his mistakes and solidified his place at the top of the UFC pound-for-pound rankings.

But when you sit on the throne, you are constantly hunted by contenders desperate to take the crown for themselves.

And Paddy Pimblett would love nothing more than to get the chance to go toe-to-toe with the icon in the cage.

The Liverpudlian explained why he believes the lightweight champion has no chance of beating him.

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