Khabib Nurmagomedov still has plenty of passion for the game.
The UFC legend’s fighting days are long over, but Nurmagomedov has been a mainstay in the corners of his elite crew of fighters, including protégé Islam Makhachev. Makhachev has followed in Nurmagomedov’s indomitable footsteps, having won his past 15 fights and lost just once in 28 pro bouts, and his most recent win had Nurmagomedov on the edge of his seat.
Check out newly released footage of Nurmagomedov’s reaction to Islam Makhachev’s UFC 311 title win below.
In the main event of the Jan. 18 pay-per-view, Makhachev defended the UFC lightweight title late-minute replacement Renato Moicano, who stepped in on a day’s notice for an injured Arman Tsarukyan. Though Makhachev was heavily favored to retain his belt, it’s clear his team didn’t take “Money” lightly.
Nurmagomedov can be seen with a tense expression on his face as he tells Makhachev’s corner not to celebrate prematurely, even with the champion locking in a tight brabo choke. Only when Makhachev secured the finish does the typically stoic Nurmagomedov jump up with an ecstatic look on his face.
Makhachev and Nurmagomedov have a tall task ahead of them as Makhachev, having recently vacated the lightweight title, moves up to 170 pounds to challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 on Nov. 15 in New York.