For the first time since his title crowning in 2022, UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev will have Khabib Nurmagomedov's guidance on fight night.

Makhachev was long touted as a sure-fire successor to his mentor upon "The Eagle's" retirement from active competition following a third successful defense of the 155-pound gold back in 2020.

Months later, as Makhachev prepared to meet a test from below in the form of Alexander Volkanovski, Khabib announced that he would be stepping back from cornering members of his team.

While he's remained visible in some fight camps and has still lent a helping hand, the Russian legend has stayed true to his words and not appeared in a corner since.

That, however, comes to an end this weekend at UFC 302.

News, 'Eagle' is landed in Jersey City," Makhachev told UFC cameras during fight week. "He's gonna be in my corner. Honestly, I'm very happy because he's one of the best corner (coaches), brother, friend.

Fans React To Khabib's Confirmed Corner Return At UFC 302: 'Bet All Your Money On Makhachev'

Unsurprisingly, the announcement of Khabib's corner return saw many members of the MMA community flock to social media to give their thoughts. 

Given Khabib's history with Poirier, which saw him submit "The Diamond" in their unification title clash back in 2019, as well as the veteran's renowned coaching abilities, plenty suggested that more odds just got stacked against the challenger in Newark.

There are some, though, who predict that Khabib's presence inside the Prudential Center on fight night will spur the underdog on and provide added motivation. Only time will tell...

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