Khabib Nurmagomedov calls MMA coaching a ‘headache’ ahead of UFC 311

Teaching hasn’t been straightforward for Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The previous UFC light-weight champion and retired MMA legend hasn’t absolutely loved this newest chapter of his life – serving as head coach of Staff Eagle. Nurmagomedov transitioned from fighter to teach following his retirement from MMA in 2020, and since, Nurmagomedov has seen quite a lot of success together with his fighters.

But, teaching hasn’t been tough because of outcomes or efficiency, however extra due to what it calls for from Nurmagomedov.

“I didn’t understand it was going to be so onerous as a result of after I was combating, it was simpler for me,” Nurmagomedov advised ESPN. “I used to be getting ready myself after I go to the cage – I used to be combating, I used to be controlling every part that was occurring.

“This life, like teaching life, it’s fully completely different than combating life. I can solely discuss, I can’t do nothing. I can solely give my brothers recommendation and keep exterior of the cage. This isn’t what I’m used to do all my life. That’s why it’s just a little little bit of a headache.”

Nurmagomedov teaching duties proceed this Saturday, as he’ll be concerned within the two championship fights headlining UFC 311. In the principle occasion, Islam Makhachev defends his UFC light-weight title in opposition to Arman Tsarukyan, and within the co-main occasion, Umar Nurmagomedov challenges bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili.

Nurmagomedov has set himself up for stay given his success as a fighter. He doesn’t have to teach, however he sees it as an obligation.

“I’m attempting to share my data with my brothers as a result of I realized so much from combating myself,” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “I used to be inside. I do know what it’s like to chop weight. I do know what’s combat week. I do know what’s it like a few weeks earlier than the combat. I do know what fighters feeling the day earlier than the combat at evening and on combat evening what they’re feeling, and every part that I’ve realized from these two best coaches, (Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov and Javier Mendez). Now, I feel I’ve a lot data to be away from these guys. I’ve to be right here, and I’ve to share this information together with his fighters.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 311.