- Daniel Cormier said Team Khabib spent a ton of money on Islam Makhachev as he geared up for UFC 280
- Nurmagomedov wants the new lightweight champion to get back in the gym soon
Without a doubt, Khabib Nurmagomedov was all-in on Islam Makhachev’s title fight against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. However, the preparation didn’t come cheap as Team Khabib reportedly splurged almost $1 million in the process.
A hefty training camp
Nurmagomedov’s former AKA teammate and UFC commentator Daniel Cormier spilled the beans at UFC 280 as Makhachev made his way into the octagon. Cormier said Team Khabib’s UFC 280 preparation expenses racked up to nearly $1 million, considering Makhachev is being honed in a world-renowned combat sports gym, per MMA Mania.
It paid off
Regardless of how much Team Khabib spent on Makhachev’s training camp, it all paid off as the Russian UFC star triumphantly brought the championship back to Dagestan. Islam dominated Oliveira from the get-go, landing more strikes and controlling the Brazilian on the ground.
Team Khabib’s expensive training was all worth it as Makhachev beat Oliveira in every vital statistical category. He outlanded “do Bronx” in total strikes 72-25. He also scored 1 knockdown, 2 takedowns and 1 submission attempt to Oliveira’s none.
Despite the celebration, Makhachev said Nurmagomedov already wants him to get back to training sooner rather than later.
“Middle of December, you have to be in gym…if you want to be pound-for-pound!,” Nurmagomedov told Makhachev (h/t UFC on BT Sport).
"Two weeks rest…if you want to be P4P!"@TeamKhabib's a harsh coach but it's that ELITE mentality why he and @MAKHACHEVMMA are the BEST 🦅🏆#UFC280 pic.twitter.com/39vrUuaCbE
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) October 22, 2022
Having heard Nurmagomedov’s plans for Makhachev, it might not be too long before the new lightweight champion defend his title for the first time.
