Former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov spoke about his friend's career prospects Islam Makhachev.
“This guy grew up before my eyes but for over 20 years. I have known him almost all my life. He has a champion mentality.
I often say that in this game there are fighters, there are champions and there is an elite. I sincerely believe that Islam will be an elite fighter because he can do everything: wrestling, punching and kicking and has grappling skills. I would say that he is already a representative of the next generation.
I think I was the best from 2015 to 2021. During this period, I could defeat anyone. From 2020 to 2024 or even 2025 Islam will be the best lightweight in the world if he stays active and avoids injury. I can feel it,” Khabib said on Full Send Podcast.
Recall that on February 26, at the UFC Fight Night 202 tournament, Makhachev will fight with Beneil Dariush.