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Islam Makhachev's corner will look slightly different when he faces Alexander Volkanovski in his first lightweight title defense at UFC 284, as Khabib Nurmagomedov will be noticeably absent. The featherweight champion recently shared his thoughts on the UFC Hall of Famer's absence.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour, the No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter was asked if he was surprised by Khabib's absence, to which he responded:
"I guess I was at the start, but it doesn't matter. Islam's still going to turn up. I know people push narratives and all that type of stuff. At the end of the day, Islam is a great fighter. He's the one who's going in there and doing his work, and Khabib would tell you that himself. Again, when my hand gets raised, these ain't excuses. He's fought plenty of times with Khabib not in his corner."
Volkanovski continued:
"I'm sure he'll feel it in preparation or maybe fight week and all that, but at the same time, he's done it before, and he's a great fighter. He's going to turn up and show up in the octagon anyway, even if Khabib was there or not. I'm preparing for the same Islam that I've seen, and if things go how I plan on them going, don't start changing narratives and start using all these excuses because it's the guy in front of him that's the problem."
Volkanovski will look to become just the fifth double champ in the history of the UFC, while Makhachev will look to become the No.1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the promotion.
Watch Alexander Volkanovski discuss Khabib Nurmagomedov's absence from Islam Makhachev's corner at UFC 284 below:
Islam Makhachev shares his thoughts on Khabib Nurmagomedov's absence from Alexander Volkanovski clash
Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement from coaching shocked the mixed martial arts community, particularly due to the timing as Islam Makhachev prepares for his first title defense. The lightweight champion shared a similar sentiment as Alexander Volkanovski when discussing his longtime friend and training partner's absence from his corner at UFC 284. Speaking to FoxSports Australia, Makhachev stated:
"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... You don’t have to spend your energy thinking about other things."
Islam Makhachev added that he understood Khabib Nurmagomedov's decision, while acknowledging the importance of being there for his family. It remains to be seen what impact, if any, the UFC Hall of Famer's absence will have on the fight.
