In a recent interview, Ali Abdelaziz – the manager of Khabib Nurmagomedov – offered high praise for Islam Makhachev…
While, simultaneously drawing comparisons between Makhachev and Khabib.
For example, did you know that (according to Abdelaziz), Khabib is a better grappler…
But Islam likes Jiu-Jitsu more?
Yup, that’s right.
Here are the details:
Khabib probably the best grappler I ever grappled with, from a control standpoint, hold you down, and ground and pound.
Islam is more tricky. He likes Jiu-Jitsu, he likes finishes, he likes stuff like that.Khabib can go for 30 rounds, it doesn’t get tired, his conditioning is crazy.
Khabib is just endorsement man, it’s his mental mindset.
Despite the parallels, Abdelaziz maintains that Makhachev and Khabib are distinct athletes with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Khabib has recently confirmed that he will continue coaching, despite putting a stop to his competition career:
It’s not like I’m retired from coaching.
Sometimes I go to the gym, share my experience, with all of my brothers.It’s not about “I’m retiring from coaching” – but with cornering, fight week… I’m done.
I’m still sharing my knowledge and experience.This is one of the most important things in my life right now, because I still have things to share with them.
Grappling, wrestling, some mental things.I still coach my brothers.
