Islam Makhachev recently hosted the Nelk Boys, a famous YouTube group, in Dagestan during his fight camp for his upcoming title fight against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284.
The Nelk Boys rose to fame for their prank videos and vlogs centered around North American college culture. During their stay in Dagestan, the group showed Makhachev a compilation of a prank they pulled, which saw them pretend to sneeze on people in public.
The lightweight champion was asked what would happen if they attempted to do those same pranks in Russia. Makhachev replied:
“You can’t do that in Russia… 99% someone is going to punch you.”
Watch the video below:
The Nelk Boys are often in attendance at UFC events, and have also built relationships with several UFC fighters such as Sean O’Malley and Tai Tuivasa.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, a teammate and close friend of Islam Makhachev, has featured on the Full Send podcast, created by the influencers. Makhachev will complete his UFC 284 fight camp without the presence of ‘The Eagle’ after Nurmagomedov’s decision to step away from MMA entirely to spend time with his family.
Ali Abdelaziz says Islam Makhachev won’t be impacted by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s exit
Ali Abdelaziz is the longtime manager of both Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Abdelaziz is regarded as a brother by the Dagestani duo, as well as by many of the manager’s other clients, including Kamaru Usman.
He was recently interviewed by MMA journalist The Schmo, during which he commented on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s recent retirement and whether it would disturb Makhachev’s UFC 284 preparations.
Abdelaziz stated the following:
“Khabib [Nurmagomedov] not being in the corner is not a big deal. Islam Makhachev is born in the mountains, he’s raised in the mountain, they know how to fight together. How to fight with groups, Khabib implemented a lot of things in Makhachev throughout the years, and he’s always going to be with him. He’s even with me here now. He talks to us every day.”
Watch the interview below:
Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov are childhood friends. Under the tutelege of Nurmagomedov’s late father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, both men have reached the pinnacle of the sport.
‘The Eagle’ often referred to “father’s plan,” which was his Abdulmanap’s plan to develop the fighting style and career trajectories of both men. That has resulted in immense success in MMA and a combined record of 52-1.