If you’ve watched Islam Makhachev dominate in the UFC, you’ve probably noticed something familiar — the fighting style, the calm personality, and even the walkout team look a lot like Khabib Nurmagomedov’s.
That’s why so many fans ask: “Are Islam Makhachev and Khabib related?”
The short answer: They’re not blood relatives — but their bond is as close as family.
Let’s break down exactly how they’re connected, why fans often mistake them as cousins or brothers, and how their unique relationship has shaped both of their careers.
Are Islam and Khabib Actually Related by Blood?
No, Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov are not biologically related.
They come from different families in Dagestan, though they grew up not far from each other.
Both belong to the Avar ethnic group, one of the main communities in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia. Because Dagestan is made up of tight-knit villages where everyone knows each other, the bond between families can feel just as strong as blood relations.
In that sense, even though they’re not cousins, they share something deeper — a brotherhood built on shared culture, faith, and discipline.
️ Same Region, Same Roots
Both fighters were born and raised in mountain villages of Dagestan — a place known for producing some of the toughest wrestlers and martial artists in the world.
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Khabib Nurmagomedov was born in the village of Sildi.
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Islam Makhachev was born in Makhachkala, but grew up in Burtunay, a nearby village.
These communities are small, connected, and heavily focused on wrestling and combat sports.
Kids there grow up on the mats — learning wrestling almost before they can walk.
That’s how Khabib and Islam met as teenagers and began training together under one legendary coach.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov: The Link That United Them
The true connection between Islam and Khabib comes from one man: Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s late father.
Abdulmanap wasn’t just Khabib’s father — he was the mentor, coach, and father figure to an entire generation of Dagestani fighters, including Islam Makhachev.
He spotted Islam’s potential early and brought him into the Eagles MMA team, where Khabib was already the top student. From that moment, Khabib and Islam began training side by side, often sharing the same mat, diet, and drills.
Abdulmanap used to say:
“In our gym, we are all brothers. We fight for each other.”
That philosophy became the foundation of their relationship.
Khabib as a Mentor and Brother Figure
Even though they’re close in age (Khabib born in 1988, Islam in 1991), Khabib naturally took on a mentor role.
He had already reached the top of the UFC while Islam was still climbing the ranks.
Khabib guided him through every step — from weight cutting to mental preparation.
He helped Islam navigate media pressure and stay focused when fame started to grow.
After Khabib retired in 2020, he handpicked Islam to carry the torch for Dagestan in the UFC.
Khabib even cornered Islam in multiple fights, giving him the same calm, no-nonsense advice his father once gave him.
Their friendship isn’t just professional — it’s personal.
They spend off-seasons together, train during Ramadan, and travel for each other’s fights.
So while they’re not related by blood, they’re connected by faith, loyalty, and shared purpose.
Bond Through Faith and Values
Another reason for their tight connection is their shared Islamic faith.
Both men are deeply religious, and they live according to the same core values — humility, respect, and self-discipline.
That’s why you rarely see them trash-talk or show off. Their success is grounded in gratitude, not arrogance.
They pray together, fast together during Ramadan, and constantly support each other’s spiritual growth.
In interviews, Islam has said:
“Khabib is like a big brother to me. We follow the same path, the same goal — to make our people proud.”
Carrying on Khabib’s Legacy
When Khabib retired undefeated at 29-0, many wondered if Dagestan’s dominance would continue.
Islam answered that question by capturing the UFC Lightweight Title — the same belt Khabib once held.
In many ways, Islam Makhachev is the continuation of Khabib’s legacy.
Their fighting styles are nearly identical — high-pressure grappling, relentless control, and calm execution.
But Islam has also made the style his own, adding slick striking and more modern setups.
Even Khabib himself has said,
“Islam is better than me in many areas. He’s the future.”
That statement says it all. The torch has officially been passed.
Why Fans Think They’re Related
Fans often assume Islam and Khabib are cousins or brothers because:
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They share the same team and coach
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They both train in Dagestan and Abu Dhabi
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Their styles and values are almost identical
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They’re always seen together in fight camps and interviews
So while it’s technically incorrect to call them family, it’s completely understandable why fans do — because they act like family in every sense.
Final Thoughts
So, are Islam Makhachev and Khabib related?
Not by blood — but absolutely by brotherhood.
They grew up under the same coach, share the same faith, and fight for the same purpose: to represent Dagestan with honor and humility.
After Abdulmanap’s passing, Khabib took over his father’s role as a mentor, and Islam became the student destined to continue the legacy.
What connects them isn’t DNA — it’s discipline, loyalty, and shared greatness.
