Islam Makhachev recalls epic school fight alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov

[ASFN Admin]

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.

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

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