via Getty
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 20: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates after his knockout victory over Gleison Tibau of Brazil in their lightweight bout during the UFC 220 event at TD Garden on January 20, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
via Getty
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 20: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates after his knockout victory over Gleison Tibau of Brazil in their lightweight bout during the UFC 220 event at TD Garden on January 20, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The MMA world went in shock after the UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov decided to retire from all aspects of mixed martial arts. He was involved in coaching some MMA fighters that included Islam Makhachev. However, the current lightweight champion recently appeared in an interview when he revealed that ‘The Eagle’ will not be in his corner at UFC 284. Islam Makhachev is set to face the current UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski for the lightweight title. The match will take place in the home country of ‘The Great’ Volkanovski. It is one of the most anticipated fights in recent times. It will be Makhachev’s first title defense in the UFC.
Islam Makhachev will be defending his lightweight title against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at #UFC284 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/swll3beSHb
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 12, 2022
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Moreover, it will not be Makhachev’s first fight without having Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner. He was recently interviewed by FOX SPORTS Australia’s Niko Pajarillo and discussed his upcoming bout in Perth.
Islam Makhachev confirms the absence of Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 284
The current lightweight champion sat down for an interview on the build-up to his fight against Volkanovski. He mentioned that Nurmagomedov’s absence will not play much of a role in his fight at UFC 284. Makhachev said, “When the cage door close, no one is there for you.” He also added, “Of course, it’s going to be different but I’ve already fought without him a couple of times. And he cannot always be with me.” He believes it is up to the fighter once they step inside the cage.
Islam Makhachev has told me Khabib will not corner him at UFC 284 in Perth.
@FOXSportsAUS @MainEventTV #MMA #UFC pic.twitter.com/FV41ZXhFc9— Niko Pajarillo (@NikoPajarillo) January 22, 2023
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Khabib Nurmagomedov has mentioned that his retirement came in the wake of giving more time to his family. He could not bear the hassle of traveling constantly from one place to another during fights. Makhachev has mentioned that it is an advantage to have ‘The Eagle’ on the sidelines due to his immense understanding of the fight game.
He added, “It’s always good when you have someone as experienced as him.”
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Islam Makhachev arrived a few weeks early in Australia in order to beat the jet lag. He also plans to adjust his training schedule in the Australian summer after training in Russia, where it is currently winter. It is one of the biggest UFC fights of 2023 and fans can certainly hope to see a lot of action. What are your thoughts on the upcoming bout? Drop your comments below.
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