Khabib Nurmagomedov will be Octagonside for Islam Makhachev’s title fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 this Saturday in New Jersey, reigniting an old rivalry.
Unlike typical coaches who receive a percentage of a fighter’s earnings, Nurmagomedov is reportedly coaching Makhachev for free, covering his own expenses to support his longtime friend and teammate.
Ali Abdelaziz, the manager for both fighters, highlighted Nurmagomedov’s influence on Makhachev’s preparation.
“[Islam] had one of the greatest coaches you can ever have in your corner, Khabib. He’s been coaching in the whole camp,” Abdelaziz told TMZ.
He added that Makhachev trained with top partners to mimic Poirier’s style, and despite the challenges posed by Poirier, Abdelaziz expressed confidence in Makhachev’s readiness.
Khabib’s rivalry with Poirier dates back to their 2019 clash at UFC 242, where Nurmagomedov secured a third-round submission victory.
Retiring undefeated at 29-0 after defeating Justin Gaethje in 2020, Khabib has since shifted his focus to coaching following the death of his father and mentor, Abdulmanap.
Although he has occasionally stepped aside, notably missing Makhachev’s corner for the fight against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, his commitment to his protege remains strong.
The upcoming fight not only tests Makhachev’s skills but also revisits the competitive history between Nurmagomedov and Poirier.
UFC 302 will see if Nurmagomedov’s coaching can propel Makhachev to victory against Poirier, intensifying a legacy built on past rivalries and current mentorship.
