Khabib Nurmagomedov, the legendary fighter, has a keen eye for talent, and his words carry weight. But did he foresee the rise of a future champion over a decade ago? The story might surprise you.
Nurmagomedov, after retiring in 2020, dedicated himself to mentoring the next generation of Dagestani fighters. Among them, Islam Makhachev stood out as a protégé, eventually claiming the UFC lightweight throne, formerly held by Nurmagomedov himself.
As Makhachev prepares for his upcoming UFC 322 main event against Jack Della Maddalena, aiming to conquer the welterweight division, his mentor's decade-old prediction resonates. Back in 2014, Nurmagomedov urged fans to remember the name Islam Makhachev, a young fighter he believed would make waves. And remember they did, as Makhachev's success has been nothing short of remarkable.
But here's where it gets controversial. Nurmagomedov, in a recent Instagram Story, borrowed Dana White's famous catchphrase, 'If you don't know, now you know,' to highlight his accurate prediction. This phrase, often used by White to promote upcoming UFC fights, adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
UFC 322 is set to be a historic event, with Makhachev and Zhang Weili both aiming to join the elite club of two-division champions. While Makhachev has no plans to pursue a third title, another fighter, Ilia Topuria, has expressed interest in following in his footsteps.
As the MMA world eagerly awaits UFC 322, one question lingers: Will Makhachev fulfill his mentor's prophecy and become a two-division king? And what other surprises might this event have in store? The stage is set for a night of unforgettable combat sports action.
