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UFC 294 is per week away, and it’s being headlined by a brand new primary occasion between light-weight champion Islam Makhachev and featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski.
In a brand new characteristic ripped from UFC 294 Countdown, Makhachev and his pal, mentor, and coaching companion Khabib Nurmagomedov go over his path to the championship and the primary battle in opposition to Volkanovski.
“I’m very proud to characterize Dagestan,” Makhachev stated. “Earlier than Khabib gained the title, not many individuals knew about Dagestan. I give inspiration to the folks of Dagestan simply by following my goals, coaching onerous day by day to be UFC champion.”
“I used to be coaching with Khabib once I was younger. He gave me a tough time. The rounds helped me be higher as a result of in case you’re coaching onerous, battle is gonna be simple. My coach Abdulmanap [Nurmagomedov] instructed us Khabib is gonna be champion. And when he retires, he instructed all people, Islam will come and take the belt.”
“Islam was one of many favourite college students of my father and he actually beloved him like his son,” Khabib stated. “He actually preferred his self-discipline and focus, his championship mentality, every part. I used to be so proud when Islam gained this title, I don’t even know once I was extra comfortable, once I gained my title or Islam gained.”
“Once you defend the title, that is nice,” he added later. “But it surely’s by no means going to be the identical as while you win the UFC title. When Islam fought in Abu Dhabi, it was half Dagestan there. It was all of his kinfolk. And my father’s goals got here true. Once you win first time your title, that is an power, feeling and emotion that you simply’re by no means going to really feel once more.”
As for the unique battle in opposition to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in February, Makhachev admits it was a tricky one. However he’s adamant that he gained regardless of what the haters could say.
“Volkanovski, that is the toughest battle in my life,” he stated. “As a result of for the primary time in my life I fought 5 rounds. However I landed very onerous punches. I took him down. I took his again. It’s a must to ask him: what did you do to win this battle? Some folks say that the battle was shut as a result of they only noticed the final minute. However all individuals who perceive MMA, they know I gained by unanimous choice.”
The Countdown episode confirmed Makhachev and Nurmagomedov rewatching the primary Volkanovski battle.
“First spherical, second spherical, and fourth spherical for certain,” Khabib stated. “Third spherical, okay, fifty-fifty. That’s it. It was three-two or four-one, 100%. Islam defended his title.”
“Within the battle, I do know. In my thoughts, I believe I gained three or 4 rounds,” Islam declared. “And nonetheless!”
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