Khabib Nurmagomedov posts encouraging message to ex-Khamzat Chimaev rival he cornered at UFC 321

Khabib Nurmagomedov helped Ikram Aliskerov continue his winning ways at UFC 321

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching was also put to the test on the UFC 321 prelims, when he appeared in the corner of middleweight contender Ikram Aliskerov.

The Dagestani is among those looking to rise through the ranks en route to the 185-pound title, which is currently held by one of his former opponents. Khamzat Chimaev knocked Aliskerov out in 2019 under the Brave CF banner, marking the prospect’s very first career loss.

Aliskerov has only lost one since, when he was quickly finished by Robert Whittaker in his maiden UFC main event. After bouncing back from that result by stopping Andre Muniz this past April, the 32-year-old Russian made it two wins in a row by outpointing JunYong Park at UFC 321.

After aiding in that result, Khabib posted an encouraging message for Aliskerov on his Instagram Stories.

“@ikram_aliskerov Congratulations brother, I know you can do even better.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov gave Tom Aspinall words of advice before UFC 321 disaster

While Nurmagomedov was in the corner of his cousin Umar and Aliskerov, they weren’t the only fighters receiving help from ‘The Eagle’ at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena.

Ahead of the heavyweight title main event, Khabib was also seen speaking with Tom Aspinall backstage. ‘The Eagle’ urged the champion to take Ciryl Gane down in order to cause hesitancy from the Frenchman while coming forward.

The British powerhouse unfortunately did not have much time to put that last-minute advice to good use.

Saturday’s UFC 321 main event ended just over four minutes into round one after Gane poked Aspinall in the eye, resulting in a no contest.