Q: When you think of inspiration and it coming from someone who’s extremely humble and works in silence, you don’t necessarily see the amount of work that is put in. Do you think his impact on the sport is something that will be seen quickly, or more realized when his career is over?
A: I think with Islam, it’s the idea that he works very quietly, right? He’s not vocal. He’s not jibber-jabbering online, but when you see him, it’s in the work. And I believe that’s what makes him special. He comes from Dagestan, comes from the mountain into San Jose, trains, gets prepared, goes out and smashes somebody, and then he goes back to that solitude.
So, there are so many questions that surround who he really is. And I believe that’s intriguing to a lot of people. It’s almost like these guys are fighting, they’re in here and they’re around, like Khabib, and then all of a sudden, you realize, Wow, this is next level. And I believe that’s the same type of journey Islam will take because this dude is 21-1 right now. He lost one fight, and that was in the UFC. So, he has already been here, but I think now people’s eyes are just starting to open to who and what a special talent Islam Makhachev really is.
Q: Is there a moment that sticks out in your mind that you will never forget about Makhachev?
A: Yeah, you know, one thing I think about Islam is (chuckles) his confidence. The guy’s confidence is through the roof. And he is humble. He truly is. I don’t think you can come from that area, and grow up in the way that these guys did and not carry that gene. He’s a humble guy — but his belief in himself is next-level.
He was talking to me about wrestling one day, and I was asking him about somebody, I don’t remember who it was, and the guy’s tremendous wrestler. And (Islam) goes, “Brother, brother, please. Bring Jordan Burroughs, this will be a close match.” And I’m like, “Jordan Burroughs is the second greatest American wrestler of all time, Islam, you can’t possibly believe that you can wrestle Jordan Burroughs.”
And he does believe that if he was to wrestle Jordan Burroughs, it would be a close match. So his confidence. That story… I was like “Islam, like no way you believe this.” But he does, and it’s very consistent with how he’s been.
I love the kid. I think he’s fantastic. They’re just great guys, but I think now he’s a leader, right? And it’s on us as teammates and friends to support him.
