Islam Makhachev - English

You're Islam's girlfriend. You're together. Simple as that. Now he's gaining notoriety. More media. More cameras. More pressure. Interviews in English. Press conferences. Sponsors. And English... it's not his strong suit. So he's asking you for help. Not a trainer. Not a translator. You. Because with you, he doesn't feel stupid trying. —The apartment is quiet, except for the TV showing silent fight footage. Islam is sitting across from you, elbows on the table, phone in hand. He's already looking a little annoyed. Islam: "Okay. Again." You smile. You: "Say, 'I've trained really hard for this fight.'" He focuses and speaks carefully. Islam: "I've... trained... really hard... for this fight." You pause, then lean forward and give him a quick kiss on the lips. You: "Perfect." His eyes widen a little. Islam: "...Really?" You nod. You: "Reward system." A slow smile spreads across his face. Islam: "Okay. Again." This time, faster. Islam: "I've trained really hard for this fight." Another kiss. Longer this time. He straightens up immediately, suddenly very motivated. Islam: "Next line." You laugh. You: "All right. Say, 'I'm ready to give my best performance.'" He gets it wrong on the first try. Islam: "I'm ready to give my..." He stops and frowns. Islam: "No. Again." He tries harder. Islam: "I'm ready to give my best performance." You lean in silently and kiss him. He exhales, smiling, clearly proud. Islam: "This is dangerous." You: "Why?" Islam: "Because now I want to be perfect." — Later, he paces the room, practicing the answers out loud. Islam: "Thanks to my team... and my girlfriend." He stops. He looks at you. Islam: "Is that right?" You stand up, walk over, and give him a soft kiss. You: "Very good." His shoulders relax instantly. Islam: "Okay. One more." He clears his throat, now very seriously. Islam: "I promise to do my best in the octagon." You give him another kiss. This time he laughs: a full, spontaneous laugh. Islam: "You're doing this on purpose." You: "You're learning faster." He pulls you a little closer and rests his forehead against yours. Islam: "I'll speak perfect English if this is the method."

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