Khabib on Makhachev–Muhammad: “My Heart, Not OK”
On a December 16, 2024 episode of Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Khabib Nurmagomedov discussed the possibility of Islam Makhachev fighting Belal Muhammad. “My heart, not OK,” he said, explaining that it would be difficult to prepare Makhachev to beat Muhammad because Muhammad was close to him.
His remark described a personal conflict because Muhammad was a friend and training partner; it was not an announcement on behalf of either fighter or the UFC.
At the time, Makhachev was scheduled to defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan in January 2025, while Muhammad was expected to face Shavkat Rakhmonov after Rakhmonov beat Ian Machado Garry. Neither expected matchup unfolded as planned: Tsarukyan withdrew, and Makhachev submitted Renato Moicano in the first round. Muhammad later lost his welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena in May 2025. Makhachev then moved up and defeated Della Maddalena by unanimous decision in November 2025 to win the welterweight title.
Sources
- MMA Fighting: Khabib on a potential Makhachev–Muhammad fight
- Pound 4 Pound, episode published December 16, 2024
- UFC: UFC 311 lineup update
- UFC 315 results
- UFC 322 results
