5 MMA fighters we don't know who have Khabib Nurmagomedov as a coach

#2. Gadzhi Rabadanov - Bellator lightweight

Gadzhi Rabadanov knocks out Daniel Carey

Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4) is one of the latest in a batch of fighters to be coached by Khabib Nurmagomedov. The lightweight was signed by Bellator MMA in 2021. In his first bout with the MMA promotion - against Daniel Carey at Bellator 263 - Rabadanov was cornered by 'The Eagle'.

Rabadanov dominated Daniel Carey and scored a first-round knockout victory. The fight started with the Russian showing great poise and timing on his punches. As the first round ticked towards its end, Carey threw a leg kick, prompting an excellently timed counter hook from Khabib Nurmagomedov's student.

After a few follow-up strikes, Gadzhi Rabadanov picked up his 11th MMA win. Interestingly, as Khabib Nurmagomedov entered the octagon, he decided to help the medical staff put Carey onto a stretcher instead of congratulating Rabadanov.

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#1. Islam Mamedov - Khabib Nurmagomedov's training partner since 2009

Islam Mamedov - Image credit MMA Junkie

Islam Mamedov has been Khabib Nurmagomedov's training partner since 2009. He was one of three fighters coached by Nurmagomedov to fight at Bellator 263. The Russian took on Brent Primus in a lightweight bout on the main card of the event on July 31, 2021.

While Mamedov was on an impressive 18-fight win streak, Primus, who holds a win over Michael Chandler, was supposed to be a formidable challenge for Khabib's student.

Mamedov picked up a split decision win on the night, helping Khabib Nurmagomedov extend his unbeaten record as a coach. Speaking to The Schmo, Islam Mamedov spoke about the teammate who pushes him the hardest. He said:

“Obviously Khabib. Khabib is not even training right now, he just goes to the gym to push us. So yeah, definitely Khabib.”