The year was 2016 and Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was holding a training session in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan. Khabib Nurmagomedov was still two years away from winning gold, but the traction was starting to build. Something special was being crafted. The skill level in the Russian training room was elevated slightly each day, under Abdulmanap’s direction. In that room stood a recent UFC debutant, Islam Makhachev , fresh off a bounce-back win over Chris Wade. Soon-to-be professional debutants, brothers Usman and Umar Nurmagomedov also were among the pack
Leon Edwards open to Islam Makhachev fight but also eyes middleweight: ‘Why not chase greatness?’
July 10, 2024
Rafael dos Anjos on Islam Makhachev: ‘I don’t think he can beat Leon Edwards and become a double champion’
July 9, 2024
MMA Junkie’s Fight of the Month for June: Dustin Poirier tests Islam Makhachev, but can’t claim UFC lightweight title
July 4, 2024
Beneil Dariush handicaps UFC champ Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan as ’60-40′ or ’55-45′ fight
July 4, 2024
MMA Junkie’s Submission of the Month for June: Islam Makhachev’s D’Arce on Dustin Poirier
July 3, 2024
Islam Makhachev says Michael Chandler not a reliable opponent: ‘One tweet from your master, and you’ll run away’
July 2, 2024
Rafael dos Anjos: Islam Makhachev can’t be No. 1 pound-for-pound with two title defenses over a featherweight
June 13, 2024
Chael Sonnen surprised Arman Tsarukyan turned down Islam Makhachev at UFC 302: ‘It’s not a good idea historically’
June 11, 2024
Ali Abdelaziz: Islam Makhachev wouldn’t say no to ‘massive star’ Conor McGregor for next title defense
June 10, 2024
Islam Makhachev wants Conor McGregor matchup
June 10, 2024
Daniel Cormier: I don’t know that we’ll ever see anybody more dominant than Khabib Nurmagomedov
June 7, 2024
Arman Tsarukyan: Version of Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 ‘would be very easy fight for me’
June 6, 2024
Dana White: Islam Makhachev No. 1 pound-for-pound over Jon Jones shows media ‘know nothing about this f*cking sport’
June 6, 2024