Khabib back in Nurmagomedov's corner for title defence

Usman Nurmagomedov says Khabib Nurmagomedov "is a gift from God" as the Russian prepares to make a return to the Bellator champion's corner on Saturday.

Khabib took a break from cornering his gym team-mates following his retirement from MMA but was part of UFC champion Islam Makhachev's corner at UFC 302 in June.

Usman, who is Bellator's reigning lightweight champion, has not had the benefit of his cousin's cornering since July 2022 at Bellator 283.

"People like Khabib, it's hard to find anyone like Khabib," Nurmagomedov said.

"He supports us so much. He knows everything about MMA, like nobody else.

"When he is in camp, everything is different. You're feeling different and you learn so much."

Usman Nurmagomedov makes his return from a doping ban against Alexandr Shabliy on Saturday in San Diego, defending his world title.

The Russian received a six-month suspension last October, but he was not stripped of his belt.

He is coached by Khabib's former trainer Javier Mendez, who also works with lightweight Makhachev and bantamweight Umar Nurmagomedov.

Usman Nurmagomedov picked Makhachev as the number one lightweight in the world right now, with himself as second.

Nurmagomedov is the favourite against fellow Russian Shabliy and has a record of 17 wins and one no-contest after his last victory was overturned to a no-contest because of his doping ban.

Asked if he felt the weight of carrying the Nurmagomedov name and to remain undefeated, he said there was "no pressure".

"I'm not completely focused on being unbeaten," Nurmagomedov said.

"I know myself nobody can beat me, never. This is what I believe, this is who I am.

"I'm not going to lose my title, never."