Islam
Makhachev was struggling in a street fight when Khabib
Nurmagomedov stepped in to change the outcome.
Makhachev (28-1) and Nurmagomedov (29-0) grew up together in the
mountains of Dagestan, which are known for a tough upbringing. Both
UFC stars have repeatedly mentioned how they had to stand their
ground in street fights to avoid being bullied.
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Makhachev recently recalled a massive fight involving rival schools
with around 500 guys on each side. Makhachev’s side was struggling
as the other side had older guys. It was then that Nurmagomedov,
three years older than Makhachev, stepped in with some of his
friends. The tide swayed, and the other side took heel, which
boosted the confidence of Makhachev and his friends.
‘We Needed Some Fire’
“Once we had a scuffle 500 vs. 500, school vs. school,” Makhachev
told Red Corner MMA. “And we were too young, but on the other side
they had older guys, so we struggled against them. We needed some
fire. Then Khabib and some of his friends – Hussein, Musa – joined
us. Things turned our way and the other guys started running away.
They just jumped in their cars and we gained confidence.”
Islam
Makhachev recalled one of the wildest moments from his school
days with Khabib
Nurmagomedov. 😂😂According to Islam, a massive school-versus-school scuffle broke
out, with around 500 people on each side. Being among the younger
kids, they struggled against the older boys… pic.twitter.com/X6l0ywGf1q— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA)
June 13, 2026