Why Is Khabib Nurmagomedov Not Cornering Islam Makhachev at UFC 294? Dagestani Camp’s Latest Revelation

Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the GOATS of MMA. One common criticism levied at him, though, is that he did not have a long enough reign as champion with just three title defenses to cement his legacy. Although he retired with a perfect undefeated record and was so dominant that he did not even lose a round in the UFC, most feel he retired too early.

The Dagestani has indicated no real desire to return. The former lightweight champion had continued to corner and coach Islam Makhachev even after retirement. However, early this year, he announced what made all his fans unhappy and why he will not be cornering the reigning lightweight champion at UFC 294.

Why Khabib Nurmagomedov will not corner Makhachev at UFC 294

In an emotional statement after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in 2020, Khabib announced his retirement. The lightweight champion claimed he promised his mother that he would not fight without his father, who died in July 2020 as a result of COVID-19 complications. He also stated that he has no desire to fight anybody else because he has already defeated the best competitors in his division.

Many expected Khabib Nurmagomedov to return for one more bout to achieve his perfect 30-0 record. However, after months of discussions, UFC president Dana White declared that Khabib Nurmagomedov had officially retired and surrendered his championship in March 2021. Ever since the former lightweight champion has never indicated any desire to return to the octagon.

And his cousin and Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov revealed why he thinks Khabib will not return to corner Islam. “I know Khabib, and I know him like a brother, like a human who follows his word. If he says something, he follows [it]. Doesn’t matter if it’s bad for him or good for him,” he said in a recent interview with ESPN. “And I don’t think he’s gonna be coming back like a coach – corner or even he doesn’t come to watch fights in the arena,” Usman added.

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It seems Khabib will not corner Islam adding he is a man of his word and having announced that he was retiring from all forms of UFC, returning to corner Makhachev will be tantamount to going back on his word.

Islam Makhachev to take on Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294

Islam Makhachev will take on UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. The Aussie took the fight after Charles Oliveira pulled out due to a last-minute injury he sustained during training. Volk and Makhachev last met in their epic UFC 284 bout in February this year.

While the Dagestani won via a unanimous decision, the former rugby player gave him a good contest. He was able to out-strike the lightweight champion and scored three only knockdowns of the bout. Which is why fans are so excited for the bout. Who do you think will win in the Volkanovski – Makhachev rematch? Let us know in the comments section below.

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