Makhachev On Why Dagestani Teammates Won't Fight

Islam Makhachev says his Dagestani teammates will never fight each other, no matter how many of them reach the UFC.

The reigning welterweight champion addressed the topic with Hall of Famer Demetrious Johnson, according to Sherdog, as lightweight prospects Magomed Zaynukov and Usman Nurmagomedov potentially crowd the 155-pound division. Zaynukov debuted in July after winning his contract on Dana White's Contender Series last year. Usman, Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin, recently became a free agent after his Professional Fighters League deal expired, with UFC rumors building.

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Brotherhood Forged In Training Camps

Makhachev dismissed the possibility of facing any teammate, citing years of shared training under Khabib's guidance. "We never fight, of course," he told Johnson. "How are you going to fight, bro, if you're training many years together? 'Chanco' just came to Usman's camp to help him, give him good rounds. Usman go to his camp to help him. How are they gonna fight each other?"

The former lightweight champion pointed to his relationship with Khabib as proof the bonds run deeper than competition. Khabib coached Makhachev from his first day in the sport, including during Khabib's own title reign when Makhachev climbed the rankings. "When I began this sport, Khabib helped me from the first day. How are you gonna fight each other? It's like friends; we're all brothers. It's not possible for our teammates to fight each other," Makhachev said.

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Zaynukov holds a 9-0 record, while Usman carries an unbeaten 22-0 mark into free agency. Makhachev defends his welterweight strap against Ian Garry at UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Islam Makhachev explains why Dagestani teammates will never fight