Khabib Nurmagomedov does not understand the UFC’s handling of the lightweight division as of late.
After laying down the lightweight title and walking away from the sport in 2020, Nurmagomedov helped his friend and protege Islam Makhachev climb to the top of the division, claiming the 155-pound crown for himself. Since then, the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ has defended the belt twice, both against former featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski.
Last defending the title in October, many assumed that Makhachev would return in the spring for a showdown with Justin Gaethje. However, those plans were seemingly scrapped — or at the very least put on hold — when the promotion announced that ‘The Highlight’ would battle Max Holloway in a BMF superfight at UFC 300.