When Islam Makhachev got brutally honest about Khabib Nurmagomedov's chances against Sean Strickland in hypothetical fight

Last year, Islam Makhachev discussed Khabib Nurmagomedov's chances against former middleweight champion Sean Strickland in a potential fight. Makhachev commended Nurmagomedov's skills and asserted that 'The Eagle' will easily overcome Strickland.

Prior to his lightweight title rematch with Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 in 2023, Makhachev posted a clip of Nurmagomedov training on a treadmill. The reigning lightweight champion stated in the caption that then-185-pound champion Strickland wouldn't be a difficult opponent for his mentor should he decide to come out of retirement.

Makhachev wrote:

''Today I was asked in one of the interviews: 'Can Khabib come back and beat Strickland in the championship fight?' I can say with confidence that he would easily do it. Almost three years have passed since Khabib finished his career, but he never misses a workout. And I can say with confidence: If he wants, it won't be difficult for him."

Check out the post below:

Nurmagomedov retired at UFC 254 with a record of 29-0 after defending his title against Justin Gaethje. He has remained committed to staying retired, despite Dana White's repeated efforts to bring him back to UFC action.

The UFC Hall of Famer will corner Makhachev at UFC 311, where the latter will look to defend his belt for the fourth time when he runs it back with Arman Tsarukyan in the pay-per-view main event.

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Michael Bisping previews Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2: "He might lose that belt"

Islam Makhachev will face Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 as he looks to extend his title reign.

In a recent interview with TNT Sports, former UFC champion Michael Bisping discussed the lightweight title matchup between Makhachev and Tsarukyan. Labeling the reigning champion's upcoming title defense the "toughest test stylistically," Bisping said:

''The toughest test stylistically will be going down in January, though, so he might lose that belt. It’s a rematch... He [Tsarukyan] had a good showing the first time and took that on short notice, so that makes me a little unsure with my pick of Islam Makhachev. I think he will do it, but he might lose it in January.”

Check out Michael Bisping's comments below (16:53):