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Islam Makhachev recently addressed various claims of him being the next to carry forward the legacy of Khabib Numagomedov in the sport of MMA.
The 31-year-old Dagestani fighter is all set to face Charles Oliveira in a lightweight title clash at the main event of UFC 280. The event is scheduled for October 22 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This will be Islam Makhachev's first attempt at winning the title and establishing his supremacy in the division.
In a recent interview with SHAK MMA, the lightweight title contender addressed several topics ranging from his strategy against Oliveira to his potential move to welterweight.
At one point during the interview, Islam Makhachev was also asked about his thoughts on people calling him "the future Khabib" and whether such claims add pressure while he's in preparation for a fight. The lightweight prospect dismissed such claims and comparisons. Makhachev feels that Khabib has the legacy of being the undisputed king of his time and hence is incomparable.
Putting forth his thoughts, the 31-year-old said:
"Khabib have his legacy...nobody beat this guy. He have good professional record, and he beat many tough guys. And he finishes [his] professional career when he's like... he is in good shape. Nobody think [with] his hype [he] is gonna retire because he beat everyone, you know. Like he can defend this [lightweight] belt like many times... he can make like crazy crazy money... but he don't need all these things."
Watch Islam Makhachev dismiss claims of him being the "future Khabib" in the video below:
Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's relationship with Islam Makhachev
In a recent interview with UFC Russia, 'The Eagle' revealed that Makhachev was in the top three of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's favorite students. The former lightweight champion added that his father believed in Makhachev's potential and admired his work ethic and discipline.
Detailing his father's relationship with Islam Makhachev, the UFC Hall of Famer said:
"He [Makhachev] was definitely in the top three. There were guys such as me, I saw a lot of guys come and go in a span of 20 years. We changed gyms but the base was always the same. Islam [Makhachev] was 100% top three."
Nurmagomedov added:
"My father truly believed in him. I believe he saw that potential in him. His work ethic and discipline. That's important to have when you strive for something. Islam was great in that regard. We see the result of that with him fighting for a UFC belt."
You can check out Khabib's full interview with UFC Russia below:
