Khabib back in Nurmagomedov's corner for title defence

Usman Nurmagomedov says Khabib Nurmagomedov "is a gift from God" arsenic nan Russian prepares to make a return to nan Bellator champion's area connected Saturday.

Khabib took a break from cornering his gym team-mates pursuing his status from MMA but was portion of UFC champion Islam Makhachev's area astatine UFC 302 successful June.

Usman, who is Bellator's reigning lightweight champion, has not had nan use of his cousin's cornering since July 2022 astatine Bellator 283.

"People for illustration Khabib, it's difficult to find anyone for illustration Khabib," Nurmagomedov said.

"He supports america truthful much. He knows everything astir MMA, for illustration cipher else.

"When he is successful camp, everything is different. You're emotion different and you study truthful much."

Usman Nurmagomedov makes his return from a doping prohibition against Alexandr Shabliy connected Saturday successful San Diego, defending his world title.

The Russian received a six-month suspension past October, but he was not stripped of his belt.

He is coached by Khabib's erstwhile trainer Javier Mendez, who besides useful pinch lightweight Makhachev and bantamweight Umar Nurmagomedov.

Usman Nurmagomedov picked Makhachev arsenic nan number 1 lightweight successful nan world correct now, pinch himself arsenic second.

Nurmagomedov is nan favourite against chap Russian Shabliy and has a grounds of 17 wins and 1 no-contest aft his past triumph was overturned to a no-contest because of his doping ban.

Asked if he felt nan weight of carrying nan Nurmagomedov sanction and to stay undefeated, he said location was "no pressure".

"I'm not wholly focused connected being unbeaten," Nurmagomedov said.

"I cognize myself cipher tin hit me, never. This is what I believe, this is who I am.

"I'm not going to suffer my title, never."