Khabib Nurmagomedov, Who Retired To Give More Time to His Family, Flies Overseas but Not With Islam Makhachev

The UFC is off with a solid start after the recent blockbuster opening pay-per-view event of the year. We are down for two events so far, UFC Vegas 67 and the UFC 283, and the clock is already ticking for the next big event of the year. UFC 284 is scheduled for February 14 in Perth, Australia, headlined by the highly anticipated bout between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. The promotional efforts of the event have already kicked off with Makhachev reaching Australia and facing off against Volkanovski for the first time ahead of their high-octane bout. However, this time, it would be a different situation for the Dagestani fighter, given that he won’t have his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, around him. In fact, the UFC superstar was recently spotted in the UK enjoying a Liverpool game.

Apart from being an elite MMA fighter, Khabib Nurmagomedov is also a true sports lover. Especially soccer. The UFC superstar has often expressed his love for soccer. Although Khabib is a true ‘Real Madrid’ fan, this was his second visit to the Liverpool game, following his first attendance back in 2021.

Khabib Nurmagomedov chose the Liverpool match over accompanying Islam Makhachev

During the most recent visit at Merseyside, he witnessed a stalemate match between Liverpool and Chelsea. But his visit didn’t go in vain as he got to meet the club’s legend, Ian Rush, after the game.

Read more: WOW! Khabib Nurmagomedov Sends a Massive Shout-Out to Soccer Icon Cristiano Ronaldo

Ian Rush took to Instagram and shared the snippets of his meeting with the UFC superstar. He wrote, “Welcome to Anfield @khabib_nurmagomedov YNWA true gentleman 🦅”.

Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev is in Australia, all set for the biggest challenge of his career without having his mentor on his side. And Khabib’s cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, revealed what keeps him from being with them. According to him, ‘too many flights’ is one of the reason that made him quit MMA.

Islam Makhachev is on his own

Khabib has always cornered Makhachev during his fights and guided him through and through. But ‘The Eagle’ won’t be there to oversee his protégé’s most important match. Moreover, it appears that everyone Khabib trained is now on their own. And a FOX Sports Australia reporter confirmed the news that ‘The Eagle’ won’t be cornering Islam Makhachev at the UFC 284.

Having said that, UFC 284 is equally important for both Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Both parties stand to gain and lose a great deal. And given their remarkable resume in the UFC, it is difficult to pick a side.

Watch this story: MMA News Round-Up: Wild Theories on Khabib’s Retirement Involving Dana White; Kevin Lee Says Return to UFC Hurts Leverage; Victoria Lee’s Family Gym ‘Permanently Closed’

Who do you think will emerge victorious at UFC 284? Islam Makhachev or Alexander Volkanovski? Let us know in the comments below.