Remembering UFC 242: Three years ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov predicted who would be the UFC lightweight champion

The UFC lightweight division has a new champion. Islam Makhachev did just that, defeating Charles Oliveira in a title fight. The event was predicted three years ago at UFC 242 by the Russian youngster’s current coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The date was September 7, 2019, and the mixed martial arts world had its eyes set on the UFC 242 gala. In Abu Dhabi, the sport’s now legend Khabib Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight title in the main event of the evening.

His opponent was American slugger Dustin Poirier, who cut his teeth on Khabib’s belt. Although the American resisted the pressure of the Dagestani fighter, in the third round Khabib put on a choke, after which Poirier knocked away his chance of a lifetime.

At the post-tournament press conference, champion Nurmagomedov brought his belt with him in an event that few paid attention to at the time. However, today we can say that it had its merits.

For Islam Makhachev had the winning fight of the tournament, defeating Davi Ramos by unanimous points. At that press conference he was answering questions from the media, and Khabib stepped in and placed the aforementioned belt on the table in front of Makhachev, saying that he was the future champion of the division.

The words spoken at that tournament yesterday were given real parameters. For at the ongoing UFC 280 event, in the main event of the evening, Makhachev forced the Brazilian Oliveira to tap out in the second round and truly became the champion of the division.

The situation is all the more exciting because the Dagestani fighter had Khabib, who became Makhachev’s trainer after the death of his father, in his corner. Moreover, he won his championship belt in the same place that Khabib predicted his dominance in the division. Abu Dhabi. Coincidence or fate?

Source: UFC, Youtube, Sherdog