According to Khabib Nurmagomedov, his AKA teammate and childhood friend, Islam Makhachev, will be sitting on the UFC Lightweight throne by the end of this year.
In his absence, The Eagle sees no fighter in the 155 lbs division who has the potential to give Islam Makhachev a tough time. In a recent interview with ESPN, Khabib Nurmagomedov said people are currently betting on the likes of Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Michael Chandler to become the new champion. However, he believes that the scenario will change by the end of the year.
In Nurmagomedov's opinion, Islam Makhachev is ready to surprise the world and will take over the UFC Lightweight division this year. He further stated that he believes no one in the 155lbs division can beat Makhachev at the moment. Once he becomes champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov expects his teammate to run the division for a long time.
"Now, everybody talks about Dustin [Poirier], Conor [McGregor], and [Michael] Chandler but by the end of the year, it's going to change. I don't think anyone can beat Islam Makhachev right now. He will run the division," said Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Islam Makhachev was trained by Khabib's late father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and even he had predicted that the 29-year-old would go on to rule the 155lbs division one day, Sportskeeda reported.
