Khabib Nurmagomedov shares heartfelt message for Islam Makhachev ahead of UFC 330

Islam Makhachev is just a few hours away from making UFC history. He is currently tied with Anderson Silva's 16-fight UFC winning streak, and a victory over Ian Machado Garry while defending his welterweight title at UFC 330 would give him 17 consecutive wins, making it the longest winning streak in UFC history.

Ahead of the historic night at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia this Saturday, Makhachev has received an encouraging message of support from one of the most influential figures in his career, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Khabib Nurmagomedov shares word of encouragement for Islam Makhachev

Nurmagomedov took to Instagram to share a carousel of photos documenting his journey alongside Makhachev. He includes moments from their time together in training and around the UFC. Alongside the photos, ‘The Eagle’ reflected on the journey Makhachev has taken from an aspiring fighter to a two-division UFC champion and record-breaking superstar.

The UFC Hall of Famer’s post highlighted the different stages of Makhachev's career and the progression required to reach the sport's highest level.

“At first, you try to learn how to fight, then you perform as an amateur, then you have a goal to go pro someday, then you have the goal to sign up for UFC,” Nurmagomedov wrote. " Then you want to be a champion there, after a while, you need a second belt, and now you're breaking records.”

Nurmagomedov also emphasized the qualities that have played a major role in Makhachev's development throughout his career and finished his message with a powerful word of encouragement for his longtime teammate.

“It's all called hard work, patience, and discipline. Go ahead, brother @islam_makhachev,” Nurmagomedov added.

Nurmagomedov and Makhachev have trained together since childhood. ‘The Eagle’ went on to become a UFC lightweight champion and helped put Dagestan on the MMA map. After his retirement, the reigning champion carried on his legacy by becoming a two-division UFC champion, adding more accolades to their team and continuing Dagestani dominance in the UFC.

At UFC 330, Nurmagomedov will be in Makhachev’s corner, guiding him as he faces the challenge presented by the Irishman.

Khabib Nurmagomedov highlights Ian Machado Garry's unique challenge for Islam Makhachev

In his appearance on Smol Talk YouTube channel, Nurmagomedov acknowledged that Garry presents a difficult stylistic challenge for Makhachev. The UFC legend pointed to Garry's movement, long-range striking, height, and reach as key factors that could make it difficult for the reigning champion to close the distance and impose his grappling game.

“Ian is a stylistically very uncomfortable opponent. He moves a lot and strikes from long range. He’s 193 cm tall, over 190 cm, with long arms and long kicks. We’ll have to chase him, close the distance, grab him, tie him up, and take him down,” Nurmagomedov said. “It will be a difficult fight. Islam is almost 35. October 1991. He’ll turn 35. Overall, the stylistic matchup and his age make this a difficult fight.”