Khabib Nurmagomedov posts public message to Dana White after taking his role to crown Islam Makhachev

Dana White was a spectator inside the Octagon at UFC 322.

Khabib Nurmagomedov had a front-row seat at Saturday’s pay-per-view in New York City as Islam Makhachev made history in the main event.

After vacating his lightweight throne to pursue two-division glory, Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to become the eleventh fighter to achieve the multi-weight feat in UFC history.

The Dagestani pitched a shutout across five rounds to secure the welterweight title, which was given to him alongside the lightweight strap that he previously held successfully through four defenses.

But it was not the usual face handing over the gold post-fight…

Who should Islam Makhachev fight next?

Khabib Nurmagomedov snatched Islam Makhachev’s UFC titles from Dana White

Makhachev was aided in his victory by Khabib, who sat alongside coach Javier Mendez and PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov in the title challenger’s corner at Madison Square Garden.

After guiding his pupil through the 25-minute main event with his usual vocal approach to coaching, ‘The Eagle’ entered the Octagon and celebrated with Makhachev.

Khabib was so overcome with joy, in fact, that he could not stand by and watch UFC president Dana White place the two UFC titles on his fighter’s shoulders.

As Bruce Buffer read out the result, the retired legend intercepted White and took over the role.

“Khabib came up to me, freaking out and screaming,” White recalled at his post-fight press conference.

“He says, ‘Can I put the belts on him, please?’ He goes over there and wraps him over the head with both the belts.

“I think he took more damage with both the belts than he did in the fight,” he added.