Tagir Ulanbekov Opens Up on Corner Work From Nurmagomedov, Makhachev

Tagir Ulanbekov doesn’t mind getting yelled at by his cornermen, especially when they are legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. 

Nurmagomedov donned his coaching shoes after retiring from the sport as the undefeated UFC lightweight champ in 2020. Islam Makhachev soon filled his void as the lightweight champ and now seeks welterweight glory. Nurmagomedov and Makhachev are also nurturing the next generation of MMA talent in Dagestan, which includes the likes of Ulanbekov. 

Ulanbekov faced Azat Maksum in a flyweight matchup at UFC Baku on Saturday. While he walked away with a unanimous decision win, it wasn’t without some yelling from his cornermen. Known for being animated as a coach, Nurmagomedov doesn’t go easy on his fighters. And Ulanbekov believes it is necessary in his case.

Ulanbekov Praises Star-Studded Corner After UFC Baku Victory

“I am that kind of a fighter that needs to be yelled at by the coach,” Ulanbekov said following his victory. “When I’m entering the Octagon and during the first round, Khabib told me, ‘You’re always sleepy. There, so I have to yell at you.’ When you have a man in your corner who’s been on the path and had some tough fights, he knows what it feels like and knows exactly what’s the right thing to say… When you have the likes of Khabib and Islam in your corner it gives you motivation and confidence they are giving you the right tips.”

While Maksum was a huge underdog, he went toe-to-toe against Ulanbekov in an entertaining affair, earning Nurmagomedov and Makhachev’s respect. Meanwhile, Ulanbekov is now 6-1 in the UFC, riding a four-fight winning streak.  

“I am that kind of a fighter that needs to be yelled at by the coach”: Tagir Ulanbekov talked about having Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev in his corner #UFCBaku pic.twitter.com/zwzOoueRWc

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 21, 2025