After a two-fight absence, Hall of Fame Khabib Nurmagomedov will return to Islam Makhachevcorner in UFC 302 against Dustin Poirier.
In the main attraction of the pay-per-view event, Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) will look to defend his lightweight title against former interim champion Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey (ESPN+ PPV).
Makhachev is excited to have his close friend back after Nurmagomedov was absent in back-to-back wins over former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
“Eagle landed in Jersey City,” Makhachev said in a video at UFC’s Instagram page. “He will stay in my corner. Honestly, I’m very happy because he’s one of the best corners, coach, brother, friend.”
Nurmagomedov was last present in Makhachev’s corner for his vacant lightweight title fight against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. Makhachev submitted Oliveira in the second round to become the new undisputed champion.
“The Eagle” was absent from Makhachev’s first and second title defenses against Volkanovski as he stepped away from the sport completely to be with his family. Even without Nurmagomedov physically present, Makhachev said he still felt Nurmagomedov’s influence as he helped from afar. Makhachev would defeat Volkanovski by unanimous decision in their first meeting and then land a vicious head kick for a first-round knockout in their rematch.
Friends since childhood, Makhachev and Nurmagomedov have been closely linked throughout their MMA careers as training partners. After retiring from competition, Nurmagomedov became a coach and mentor. Now, in his third lightweight title fight, Makhachev will have his cornerman by his side to face Poirier.
