Khabib Nurmagomedov (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Recently, footage was shared of Khabib Nurmagomedov running training sessions for Islam Makhachev’s camp. Now, the latter’s confirmed the legend will be in his corner at UFC 302.

After Nurmagomedov retired from MMA in 2020, he continued to coach and corner multiple fighters, including Makhachev. But, then the former lightweight champ announced he was taking a step back from the sport.

As Makhachev was signing posters for UFC 302, however, the champion confirmed his friend will be cornering him on Saturday.

"The Eagle has landed" @MAKHACHEVMMA is excited to have @TeamKhabib back in his corner for #UFC302! pic.twitter.com/AcvpdByEnX

— UFC (@ufc) May 28, 2024

Makhachev will face former interim champ Dustin Poirier in Saturday’s headliner. In the co-main event, former middleweight champ Sean Strickland will take on Paulo Costa.

UFC 302 will take place in Newark, New Jersey.