MMA: Meet Islam Makhachev, the next Khabib Nurmagomedov of the UFC

Islam Makhachev (left) with Russian mixed martial arts superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov. PHOTO: ISLAM MAKHACHEV/INSTAGRAM
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SINGAPORE - Russian mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov may have hung up his gloves in October to the dismay of fans worldwide, but former fighter Daniel Cormier, one of his closest friends in the sport, believes the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will find its next big headliner.

In an exclusive interview with The Straits Times, Cormier, 41, did not skip a beat when asked who the next big prospect from the South Russian region of Dagestani would be.

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