“Father’s Plan” — a phrase that echoes with unmatched reverence in the Dagestani fight camp. From Khabib Nurmagomedov to Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov, every warrior from Team Khabib follows this sacred blueprint to the letter. Crafted by the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov — Khabib’s father and mastermind coach — the plan calls for nothing less than total domination. UFC, Bellator, PFL — no belt is beyond their reach. Abdulmanap saw champions in buds before they even bloomed. In his latest appearance, Khabib paid homage not only to his father’s legacy but also to the boxing GOAT, Muhammad Ali — two icons who shaped greatness with vision.
On July 3, 2020, at the age of 57, the man who shaped the careers of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, passed away after battling COVID-19. The loss shook the entire MMA community, mourning arguably the greatest modern-day coach in the UFC. His passing served as a wake-up call for Khabib Nurmagomedov, who, after his victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, announced his retirement. He stated that he had promised his mother he would not compete without his father by his side.
Five years after his passing, Khabib Nurmagomedov has come forward not only to pay tribute to his father but also to Muhammad Ali. The former lightweight champion took to his Instagram story to share a post honoring Ali’s greatness. In addition, he uploaded a photo of his father when he was alive, accompanied by a heartfelt quote in the caption, “My Father, my friend and my coach. He was everything for us Alhamdulillah Photo was taken 10 years ago.”
Imagine how influential Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov was—so much so that even Conor McGregor came forward to pay his respects to the legend: “The loss of a father, a coach, and a dedicated supporter of the sport. Condolences and rest in peace, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.” Although McGregor later deleted the tweet, the gesture spoke volumes, but it appears the animosity overpowered the respect ‘Mystic Mac’ had for Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. But when it comes to Ali, both McGregor and Khabib had similar emotions.
The Irishman has received comparisons over his flashy fighting style and relentless trash talk. McGregor, while flattered, acknowledged that Ali was levels above in greatness. “But, Muhammad Ali is a special, special individual I do not… I am not even close to that man’s greatness. The things that he has done throughout his career. He is a special individual, and to be even… even [to] have my name next to that man is truly a truly proud moment for me, so thank you all, but I cannot compare myself to that great man,” McGregor said at a UFC 229 press conference, two years after Ali’s passing on June 3, 2016. And what was Khabib’s reaction?
In an interview a few years ago, the UFC Hall of Famer fielded questions about Ali comparisons. For Khabib, the pair had more differences than similarities, and Ali’s impact as a cultural icon was a far more prominent factor. He said, “I think comparing Ali and me is probably wrong. Only if we talk about the fact that we are both champions and both Muslims, but all the things he did outside the ring, with this I cannot be compared… He [Ali] changed the attitude towards his race very much, so we cannot be compared. To be able to compare me with him, I need to go back to those years and be black and be a champion. After, we would see how I would behave in such a situation. In this case, we can be compared. I like that people compare us, but I think it is inappropriate.”
Years have passed since the demise of arguably the greatest coach in the MMA world, but his legacy still lives on through Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team. Now that ‘The Eagle’ and Islam Makhachev have achieved their goals, the next phase of ‘Father’s plan’ seems to be unfolding. How? Let’s find out.
Islam Makhachev’s welterweight move opens up doors for Usman Nurmagomedov
“I’m waiting for Islam [Makhachev] to finish his career and then I will [sign with the UFC]. I think if we get it right, we’ll be fighting in the UFC at 28. I’m 26 years old right now, two years I’ll get stronger and that’s it. Go into the UFC at 28 and compete until I’m 32,” said Usman Nurmagomedov when asked about his UFC jump. The Bellator champion has been one of the biggest names in the MMA world, and fans everywhere want to see him compete in the UFC. However, Team Khabib has one rule—they don’t fight each other. As a result, Usman is waiting for Islam Makhachev to win his second belt and officially exit the 155 lbs division.
Usman Nurmagomedov believed that Islam Makhachev would remain in the lightweight division until at least 2028, but it seems things are moving much faster than expected. The Dagestani has officially relinquished his lightweight title to pursue the welterweight belt next. Becoming a two-division champion has long been a dream for Makhachev, and with his move up, Usman Nurmagomedov now has an opportunity to step in and fill the gap.
For now, we don’t know whether Islam Makhachev will return to the lightweight division, but one thing is certain: after conquering the welterweight belt, Makhachev’s work in the UFC will be complete, giving Usman Nurmagomedov an opportunity to rise. Regardless, what is your opinion on the hubbub? State your thoughts in the comments below.
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