Cain Velasquez is awaiting a hearing for his case for attempted murder but still has the undivided support of former teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov. With the two remaining close friends years after their retirements, the former champions still enjoy each other's company outside of training.
Although neither have expressed any interest in coming out of retirement, both Nurmagomedov and Velasquez were seen recently re-visiting their former gym at American Kickboxing Academy. While at the gym, Velasquez gave Nurmagomedov a half-hearted massage to help his tight shoulder and arm.
Fans enjoyed the comedic interaction between the two former fighters, as Nurmagomedov repeatedly asked Velasquez to "leave him alone" so he could return to the training session.
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One fan commented:
"Massage what is this brather"
Other fans commented:
"Two legends one frame"
"Taking notes. #sportstherapy"
"Crazy that they seem so chill but this two of the scariest mf to walk Earth"
Check out more fan reactions to Khabib Nurmagomedov getting a massage from Cain Velasquez below:
![Fans react to Cain Velasquez and Khabib Nurmagomedov. [via @champrds on X]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/cf09f-17240256124166-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/cf09f-17240256124166-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/cf09f-17240256124166-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/cf09f-17240256124166-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/cf09f-17240256124166-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/cf09f-17240256124166-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/cf09f-17240256124166-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/cf09f-17240256124166-1920.jpg 1920w)
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Cain Velasquez's friendship history
As two of the best fighters in MMA history, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Cain Velasquez were two of the core pieces that made the American Kickboxing Academy one of the best teams in the world. 'The Eagle' and Velasquez were joined by Daniel Cormier and Luke Rockhold as the four fighters to hold UFC titles during their dominant era.
With Velasquez's recent legal issues, Nurmagomedov's support for his friend has not waned. The Russian said he will "always stay with" the 42-year-old with a touching Instagram post back when Velasquez was first arrested in 2022.
Nurmagomedov ended his Instagram post with "#weareAKA," showing their unbreakable bond formed at their shared gym. Both Nurmagomedov and Velasquez are also close friends with Cormier and Javier Mendez, with the latter still serving as the head coach of American Kickboxing Academy.