Former UFC lightweight champion and welterweight title contender Islam Makhachev responded to a question about whether it matters to him that by winning a second title, he could achieve what Khabib Nurmagomedov did not.
Islam Makhachev for ESPN MMA
This is a stupid question. He’s my brother...If he didn’t want me to beat his record, he would never help me. It’s his dream to make new champions in our gym. That’s why I don’t like to answer questions about beating Khabib’s record and all that.
Recall that Islam Makhachev’s title fight against Jack Della Maddalena will headline UFC 322 on November 16 in New York.
Della Maddalena last fought in May 2025 at UFC 315, winning by unanimous decision over Belal Muhammad. He has 18 wins and 2 losses.
Makhachev last fought in January 2025 at UFC 311, defeating Renato Moicano with a first-round submission. His record stands at 27 wins and 1 loss.
