UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will not have his mentor, former UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, in his corner for his first title defense. Makhachev will make his first defense against featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 next month, on Volkanovski’s home turf in Australia. Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, Makhachev confirmed that Khabib won’t be with him down under.
“When the cage door close, no one is there for you. 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. Of course, it’s very good when he is here. I always like when he is with me because he knows all the games being played. He knows what you need for the fight, for the weight cut, you don’t have to worry about any of this.
Khabib Will Not Corner Makhachev At UFC 284
It’s always good when you have someone as experienced as him. You don’t have to spend your energy thinking about other things. But I understand that he has to spend more time with his family. Because with all the fighting, the training, his family miss him too. Even though he is retired he’s still traveling a lot. That’s why I understand.”
Makhachev’s opponent, Alexander Volkanovski, had some thoughts to share on the matter. “Having Khabib in his corner has certainly helped in many ways.
Has seen him get certain treatment. So do I think he’s a worthy champion? One hundred per cent I do. But did he have to go through what I did to get a title shot? Maybe not.
But still, he beat the champion so deserves the belt.” Volkanovski, who will attempt to capture a second simultaneous UFC title on February 23 in Perth, Australia, wants the world to know that he’ll be facing Makhachev at his best. No excuses.
“They better not use it as an excuse once this is all done. At the end of the day, Makhachev will prepare and we’re going to fight. He doesn’t need someone to hold his hand. Doesn’t need someone to be in there with him. That’s not a real fighter. So when my hand gets raised, that better not come up.”
Volkanovski is currently ranked the no.1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, with Makhachev in the second spot. Do you think Khabib being missing from Islam’s corner will make a difference on the big night? Let us know in the comments.
