Khabib Nurmagomedov training with “The Siberian Striker” in preparation for Conor McGregor

Current UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will attempt to defend his strap for the first time when he squares off with former division title holder Conor McGregor.

“The Eagle” and “Mystic Mac” are set to throw down in the headliner of next weekend’s UFC 229 event, which takes place Saturday October 6 live on pay-per-view from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The undefeated Russian, Khabib Nurmagomedov (26-0 MMA), is the slight betting favorite heading into next Saturday’s highly anticipated fight with Conor McGregor.

“The Eagle” was most recently seen in action at April’s UFC 223 event where he earned a unanimous decision victory over Al Iaquinta to claim the UFC’s vacant lightweight title.

As for Khabib’s UFC 229 opponent Conor McGregor, the former “champ champ” has not stepped foot inside the octagon since defeating Eddie Alvarez via second-round knockout at UFC 205 in November of 2016.

Despite the long layoff, Conor McGregor looks to be in phenomenal shape headed into next Saturday’s pivotal fight with his Russian nemesis.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has never been one to take an opponent lightly and thus he has been training as hard as ever for his upcoming battle with the former two-weight world champion.

“The Eagle” recently shared a post on Instagram revealing that he has been working with former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko in preparation for his UFC 229 fight with Conor McGregor.

“Today we looked in the hall @alexandershlemenko. Champion in life and a person who does a lot of things – to promote a healthy lifestyle in our country.Good luck to you friend in everything. #Shlemenko”

Alexander Shlemenko (56-11 MMA) has proven to be one of the elite middleweight fighters on the planet. “The Siberian Striker” captured the vacant Bellator middleweight championship in February of 2013 and went on to defend that title on three occasions.

Shlemenko holds 31 knockout victories to his impressive record, which includes stoppages of Kendal Grove, Brandon Halsey, Maiquel Falcão, Ikuhisa Minowa and Sean Salmon.