Islam Makhachev had a simple but powerful reaction to one of the most emotional moments from UFC 302. The event took place on June 1, 2024, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, where Makhachev defended his UFC lightweight title against Dustin Poirier. During the fight, Makhachev’s coach and close friend Khabib Nurmagomedov couldn’t contain his excitement. As Makhachev locked in a fight-ending choke, Khabib was seen standing, shouting, and celebrating wildly. Later, Makhachev shared a short Instagram Story with just four words, “I like this moment.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s emotional corner moment goes viral
Though he left the sport in 2020, retired professional boxer Khabib Nurmagomedov yet shows the same fire he once had inside the Octagon, now from without it. When Islam Makhachev fought Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 302, Khabib was right there in his corner, screaming instructions and cheering every action. Makhachev spun Poirier in the final seconds of the fifth round and used a tight brabo choke, which Poirier tapped out. As the submission progressed, Khabib jumped out from his chair, punched his fists, and yelled in pleasure. The close bond between the two combatants got fans applauding the video as it quickly went viral online. According to Sportskeeda, millions of people watched the video; viewers called it among the finest coaching responses of the year.Makhachev shared the video on his Instagram Stories following the battle and said, “I like this moment.” Those four words precisely summed up his admiration for Khabib’s energy and direction. Their friendship started during their early training in Dagestan, and Khabib still advises Makhachev throughout every significant fight even after his retirement.
Islam Makhachev prepares for his next big test at UFC 322
Following his victory at UFC 302, Islam Makhachev is preparing to take on a new challenge. He will move up in weight to face Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 322, scheduled for November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.Makhachev, who has won 15 fights in a row since his only career loss at UFC 192, will be aiming to become a two-division UFC champion. Also Read: Jon Jones Brutally Mocks Tom Aspinall After Shocking UFC 321 Eye-Poke Controversy Leaves Heavyweight Title DisputedSpeaking to Sherdog, Makhachev praised his next opponent, saying, “His striking is good, his boxing is very good… He knows how to defend, how to escape, how to get up.”The 33-year-old Russian knows that moving up to welterweight won’t be easy, but he’ll have the full support of Khabib Nurmagomedov once again in his corner. If Khabib Nurmagomedov brings the same fire and energy as he did at UFC 302, Makhachev could very well end the night as the new UFC welterweight champion.
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