Islam Makhachev reveals what makes Khabib Nurmagomedov so valuable in his corner

In brutal sports like MMA, where fighters are filled with adrenaline, coaches in the corners guiding their fighters can play as important a role as the fighter doing the job inside the octagon. The right advice at the right moment can completely change the course of a fight.

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev recognized the importance of having someone like Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is retired and undefeated in the most violent sport, in his corner during his fight, and praised Nurmagomedov for his cornering skills. 

Islam Makhachev praises Khabib Nurmagomedov's cornering skills

In a video shared by Kurban Ragimov, he pointed out to Makhachev in the Russian language how Nurmagomedov advised him to keep his head high and walk out like a champion during his title fight and asked about ‘The Eagle’s’ importance in his corner. 

Makhachev highlighted that Nurmagomedov always says words of motivation to prepare him before a fight. 

“He constantly says such parting words which charge you up before the fight. Which well give you an understanding of the full responsibility that you are going out there and any mistake costs very dearly,” Makhachev said. 

Makhachev praised Nurmagomedov's ability to read a fight between rounds. He explained that the UFC Hall of Famer can quickly identify which rounds he has won, where he needs to increase the pressure, and when he needs to slow things down. He also said that the former Dagestani champion's importance in his corner extends beyond tactical advice.

“Between rounds, Khabib has the best understanding of all of conducting the fight, There which round you won, where you need to push harder somewhere you need, there to slow down and in general Khabib’s presence in the corner is a very big support,” Makhachev added.

Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below, via Freak MMA, with English captions:

Fighters' corner plays a significant role and can change the course of a fight. The best example of that is Leon Edwards going into the fifth round with four rounds down against Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. His corner motivates him; their advice to land a head kick in the last minute helps him capture the gold. 

With Nurmagomedov and head coach  Javier Mendez in Makhachev's corner, it surely gives him an edge over other fighters. Recently, at UFC 330, their advice played an important role in edging out Ian Machado Garry and securing a unanimous decision victory. 

After his first welterweight title defense, Makhachev has said he wants to return to the octagon quickly. 

Islam Makhachev shares his future plan 

Many thought Makhachev would lay his gloves down at UFC 330 after defending his welterweight title, but throughout the lead-up, he was on the stance that this won't be his last. 

Now addressing the media as he returned to Russia, Makhachev pointed out his latest record of the longest win streak and shared that he is looking forward to his next challenge, adding that he believes he has three exciting opponents in front of him. 

“I don’t know what other records there will be for me to chase,” Makhachev told the press. “But right now in my division, there are some very strong title contenders. Looking ahead, I think there will be at least three more exciting and very difficult fights in front of me.”