Khabib Nurmagomedov Opens Up on the Day His Father Kicked Islam Makhachev Out of the Gym
UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov recently revealed why his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, once kicked 50 students, including Islam Makhachev, out of the gym.
Makhachev was Abdulmanap’s favorite student, and in previous interviews, “The Eagle” has revealed that his father always believed in Makhachev and often praised his work ethic and discipline.
Abdulmanap told Makhachev he would grow into a great UFC champion and that he needed to keep training to reach the top. Makhachev lived up to Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s prediction, but before becoming a two-division UFC champion, he was once thrown out of the gym.
Why did Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father kick Islam Makhachev out of the gym?
Recently revealing to the UFC the reason why his friend and training partner was briefly removed from the gym, Khabib said:
“There was even this one moment when Father threw about 50 people out of the gym over their hair [style], and Islam Makhachev was among them too. Everyone left, and about 30 or 40 minutes later, three of them came back. Islam was among them too. They asked Father, “We got haircuts and came back. Can we come in?” Sure, come in. Father even said, “You see, they want to learn from me, and they are the ones who’ll get results.”
Reminiscing about the incident, Islam Makhachev added during the same sitdown:
“And he [Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov] constantly said, “If you think these hairstyles are going to make someone like you, that’s not how it works. What you need is a good strong neck, a nice belt, and clean shoes.”
Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev’s comments below:
Islam Makhachev won the UFC lightweight championship at UFC 280 by submitting Charles Oliveira. In the years to come, he registered four successful title defenses at 155 pounds, broke records, and then vacated his title to move up to 170 pounds.
In his welterweight debut at UFC 322, he dominantly dethroned Jack Della Maddalena, captured the 170-pound throne, recaptured the top P4P spot, and also joined the list of two-division UFC champs.
Makhachev is now slated to defend his title next month at UFC 330 against short-notice risk-taker Ian Machado Garry.
