
Islam Makhachev has been recently crowned the world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. His childhood friend and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, is celebrating this success, calling it “an unprecedented case.”
Makhachev was named the new king of men’s pound-for-pound in UFC’s ranking after defeating Alex Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 294 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The bout only lasted 3 minutes and 6 seconds after Makhachev delivered a nasty head kick, which knocked out Volkanovski. It can be recalled that prior to that, Makhachev defeated Volkanovski at UFC 284 in February, and the rematch was made possible after ex-champ Charles Oliveira was forced to withdraw from UFC 294 due to injury. Despite the short notice, Volkanovski took the chance, which ended horribly for him.
Makhachev’s win ultimately made him the new face of the MMA generation, with Jon Jones sliding down to the second spot after he received a torn pectoral muscle and withdrew from his fight against former champion Stipe Miocic for his first heavyweight title defense.
One of the most notable personalities in the industry to celebrate Makhachev’s success is Khabib Nurmagomedov, who expressed his joy over Instagram this week.
“This is an unprecedented case when two fighters, raised from childhood by the same coach, in the same city, in the same gym, who trained together for a long time side by side, become champions in the same weight in the best league in the world@UFC,” the translated post reads. “And also both became the best fighters regardless of weight categories of their time. And believe me, this is not the point yet, @islam_makhachev continues to write history.”
In relation to what the Russian former professional mixed martial artist claimed, Makhachev is set to continuously face a series of bouts, including defending his title against BMF champion Justin Gaethje or, if UFC chooses, Charles Oliveira.