Throwback: When Khabib Nurmagomedov put his UFC lightweight title on Islam Makhachev’s table with 3 powerful words: “future UFC champ”

Islam Makhachev is now a UFC champion across two weight divisions. He has also broken the promotion’s record for consecutive wins. But years before Makhachev reached the top, Khabib Nurmagomedov appeared to know exactly where his teammate was heading. A viral throwback moment from 2019 has brought that prediction back into focus.During UFC 242 fight week in Abu Dhabi, Nurmagomedov walked up behind Makhachev during a media interaction. He placed his UFC lightweight championship belt on the table in front of him. Nurmagomedov then delivered a simple message that would later look remarkably accurate: “Future UFC champ”.The memorable moment happened in September 2019, during one of the biggest weeks in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s career. The undefeated Dagestani champion was preparing to defend his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 242.Makhachev was also competing on the same card. He faced Davi Ramos and won the fight by unanimous decision.At the time, Makhachev was still viewed as a rising contender. He had not yet become the dominant champion that fans know today.That made Nurmagomedov’s gesture even more interesting.While Makhachev was speaking to reporters, Khabib Nurmagomedov approached him from behind. He placed his championship belt on the table and called his close friend and training partner the “Future UFC champ.”Makhachev appeared visibly humbled by the moment. He smiled and thanked Khabib.The prediction was not simply a random compliment.Nurmagomedov and Makhachev had grown up around the same fighting system created by their late coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. They trained together for years and became close friends.Nurmagomedov eventually became one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. He retired undefeated with a 29-0 professional record.Makhachev then followed a similar path.He won the vacant UFC lightweight championship at UFC 280 in 2022. He submitted Charles Oliveira to claim the title and later defended it four times.The throwback clip now carries even more weight because Makhachev has gone beyond the prediction.He eventually moved to welterweight and captured a second UFC championship by defeating Jack Della Maddalena. He then defended the welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.That victory also pushed Makhachev’s UFC winning streak to 17 fights. He moved past Anderson Silva’s previous record of 16 consecutive UFC victories.Khabib celebrated the achievement on social media. In the post caption he wrote, “There is a word : Achievement. In sport it has a great significance, Islam and the word Achievement are synonyms)))) he achieved great heights in this sport, broke the record of series wins in UFC history, and is rightfully one of the best athletes to ever enter the octagon. May the Almighty keep you well, brother.”The 2019 moment therefore looks almost prophetic today. What began as a simple gesture from one friend to another became a remarkable prediction of what was to come.