Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov tip the marquee in separate title bouts in Los Angeles, under the guidance of Abdulmanap's son, Khabib, the former UFC lightweight champion and Hall of Famer.

It was when his his close friend, training partner and now coach Khabib Nurmagomedov won the lightweight title in 2018. "When Khabib took the belt, I understood in my mind, I can do [it too].