Islam Makhachev has always done a fine job of emulating Khabib Nurmagomedov. Both fighters were forged in Dagestan, made it to the UFC, won the lightweight title, became pound-for-pound No 1, and gave up the belt in their prime. The question now is whether Makhachev has in fact surpassed his childhood friend.
Five years after Khabib vacated the strap, retiring as champion after the death of his father and coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has relinquished the title. The difference in the latter’s case is that he is not done fighting; the gleam of welterweight gold has caught his eye, and like a Magpie, Makhachev has been drawn to it – and so a title shot awaits later this year.
