Artur Beterbiev, a top-ranked pound for pound boxer, spoke at the IBA Mens Elite World Championships of Dubai about the Khabib vs Islam controversy.
Both Nurmagomedov and Makhachev are legendary lightweight UFC champions, who fulfilled the former’s father’s prophecy of the mentor becoming champion before retiring and his protege winning the same belt. The 37-year old is considered to be the greatest fighter ever due to his massive star power.
They achieved ‘Father’s plan’ likely a bit earlier than expected due to Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s untimely passing in 2020 and Khabib’s subsequent retirement. Makhachev, his best friend, has now gone to where he never had before by moving up weight divisions and becoming the two-division champion of UFC 322.
Who is Khabib Numagomedov? The life of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the most dominant UFC athlete of all time
Artur Beterbiev picks Islam Makhachev over Khabib Nurmagomedov
While Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev were putting Dagestan on the map as MMA’s most dominant region, Artur Beterbiev has been plowing his furrow at the elite level in boxing. He is considered one of the sport’s best pound-for-pound, only losing out on top spot after a defeat to Dmitry Bivol this year.
Beterbiev, like most of Dagestan’s Khasavyurt region is more known for his wrestling than for boxing. As a result, he has been following the UFC since years. Beterbiev has always been respectful of his fellow Dagestani greats.
Do you agree with Artur Beterbiev that Islam Makhachev was better than Khabib Némagomedov?
Khabib is widely considered the UFC's GOAT, but he may have ended up moulding the man who takes that throne from him
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2025-12-12 02:09:44
