Justin Gaethje and Khabib Nurmagomedov cross paths ahead of coaching clash between the ex-UFC rivals

It’s clear there’s nothing but respect between UFC lightweight legends Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje.

Each men are in ‘The Big Apple’ this week for a unique sort of battle, six years after Nurmagomedov submitted Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi.

A couple of weeks on from joining ‘The Eagle’ within the club of undisputed lightweight kings on MMA’s biggest stage, the pair will likely be in opposite corners for Friday’s PFL Latest York fundamental event between Usman Nurmagomedov and Archie Colgan.

Ahead of the event at UBS Arena, the previous rivals crossed paths during fight week.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje share friendly meeting ahead of PFL Latest York

Gaethje goes up against Nurmagomedov in a unique realm on Friday, as he looks to help the undefeated Colgan in his try and pull off a mighty upset.

‘King’ is the newest man seeking to hand ‘The Eagle’s’ cousin a primary defeat in skilled mixed martial arts. The upcoming fundamental event marks Usman’s last contracted PFL bout, and he may very well be UFC-bound in pursuit of Gaethje’s title.

For now, ‘The Highlight’ is preparing one other fighter for a showdown with the Dagestani, marking a reunion of sorts with the Nurmagomedovs.

There isn’t any sense of hostilities being renewed between them, as Gaethje and Khabib were nothing but friendly when the 2 teams bumped into one another during fight week in Latest York.

“How are you? Good to see you brothers,” the retired Nurmagomedov said when walking past Gaethje and the remainder of Colgan’s team.

“See you Justin, see you brother,” he added, exchanging waves with the person he choked out in October 2020.

That interaction was captured by filmmaker Will Harris and aired during episode 4 of his Anatomy of PFL Latest York series for Nurmagomedov vs Colgan.

Many are clamoring to see Usman taking his talents to the UFC after fighting out his current take care of the PFL on Friday night.

Teammate Islam Makhachev thinks the UFC may not pay enough to persuade the lightweight star to change banners, given reports he’s the highest-paid in his current promotion.

News of the PFL emerging with Jake Paul’s MVP MMA could also play an element, as higher purses and potential Netflix fights could be on the table for the likes of Nurmagomedov starting in 2027.