INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Islam Makhachev was obviously not happy to see Umar Nurmagomedov come up short in his biggest career fight. However, that hasn’t changed how he views Nurmagomedov’s potential.
Makhachev, who successfully defended his UFC lightweight title in the main event of UFC 311, had to see his close friend and teammate lose to champion Merab Dvalishvili right before his fight in the co-main event of Saturday’s car at Intuit Dome.
It wasn’t an easy thing to witness just moments away from his own championship fight, but Makhachev is certain Nurmagomedov will return, and this time win UFC gold.
“Honestly, it was hard,” Makhachev said at the UFC 311 post-fight press conference. “I try to warm up, but I still watch the fights. Maybe it did make me a little bit sad, but Umar is still young and still hungry. He has time. Because he’s still young, he made some mistakes in this fight and Merab did his job very well, and they had a close fight. Umar not take some damage and he landed good shots. He also broke his arm also.
“One hundred percent he will come back because he’s still hungry, and he’s going to be UFC champion one day, I’m sure.”
Nurmagomedov, cousin of retired UFC star Khabib, entered UFC 311 with an undefeated record. He was the favorite to win the belt and defeat Dvalishvili, but was outworn over the course of 25 minutes to lose a unanimous decision that read 48-47, 48-47 and 49-6.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 311.
