Two formidable coaches are training Islam Makhachev, a dangerous signal for Arman Tsarukyan.

Islam Makhachev calls for backup! Can Daniel Cormier tame the unstoppable force of Khabib Nurmagomedov? Find out why life under The Eagle is no walk in the park.

Life Under Khabib: A Grueling Reality

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, recently opened up about his intense training sessions under the watchful eye of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Since retiring after his iconic victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, Khabib has transformed into a coaching powerhouse. His influence now extends to champions across the UFC, Bellator, and PFL, but Makhachev revealed that this success comes at the cost of relentless gym sessions.

Khabib’s presence in the gym is more than just motivational. Fighters under his guidance endure some of the toughest regimens, pushing their mental and physical boundaries daily. For Makhachev, this environment is what sharpens champions, but even he admits it can be overwhelming.

“Nobody Can Control Him!”

In a candid conversation with Daniel Cormier, Makhachev jokingly pleaded for help in controlling the “psychopath” that is Khabib. He shared how Khabib’s relentless drive challenges even their head coach, Javier Mendez.

“Maybe you can come join us and control him a little bit,” Makhachev quipped. “I always tell Javier, ‘You’re the head coach; stop him!’” Despite the jest, the intensity of training under The Eagle is evident.

Cormier laughed it off, calling Khabib a “psychopath” and claiming, “I can’t control him.” The exchange ended with Makhachev urging his former teammate to join the camp, even cheekily suggesting it would help Cormier lose weight.

Adding to the humor, Cormier replied, “Hey, you better stop talking about my weight because you look like you’ve put on a few pounds.” This lighthearted banter highlights the camaraderie within the camp, even under the reign of Khabib’s iron fist.

The Champ’s Next Challenge: Arman Tsarukyan

While the training intensity remains a hot topic, Makhachev is laser-focused on defending his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on January 18. This highly anticipated bout pits two of the division’s most skilled fighters against each other. For Makhachev, the stakes couldn’t be higher, as he aims to solidify his reign as the lightweight king.

Arman Tsarukyan, a formidable opponent, is no stranger to the spotlight. Their upcoming clash promises to be a strategic and action-packed affair, testing both fighters’ grit and skill.

Khabib’s Take on Makhachev’s Champ-Champ Aspirations

As Makhachev eyes a potential move to welterweight, Khabib expressed mixed emotions. The welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad, has ties to Team Khabib, which complicates matters.

“My heart is not okay with this,” Khabib admitted. He revealed that preparing Makhachev to fight Muhammad would be emotionally taxing. “It’s very hard to prepare somebody to beat Belal,” Khabib confessed.

The Challenge of Stopping Belal Muhammad

Khabib highlighted the challenges Makhachev might face against Muhammad. “If you want to beat Belal, you have to stop him,” he explained. “It’s very hard to control him for 25 minutes or dominate him in the striking game because he mixes it up so well.”

This insight showcases Khabib’s brilliance not just as a fighter but as a tactician. He respects Muhammad’s abilities while simultaneously emphasizing the immense challenges his pupil might face.

Team Khabib: A Legacy in the Making

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s impact on the MMA world extends far beyond his undefeated 29-0 record. As a coach, he’s building a dynasty, but his intense approach pushes his fighters to their limits. Islam Makhachev’s plea for help adds a humorous yet telling layer to the legend of Khabib as both a fighter and a coach.