At UFC 284, Makhachev defends his lightweight title against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in a battle of the top two pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and he will do so without his longtime friend, teammate, and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in his corner.

Makhachev, speaking with Fox Sports Australia , confirmed that Nurmagomedov will not travel to Australia to fight in his upcoming superfight.

” When the cage doors close, nobody is there for your,” Makhachev stated.

“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. It’s great when he comes to visit. Because he’s familiar with all of the game being played, I like it when he comes along. He knows what you need for the fight, for the weight cut, you don’t have to worry about any of this. He is an experienced professional, which makes it all the more worthwhile. It’s not necessary to think about other things. However, I can understand why he needs to spend more time with the people he loves. Because with all the fighting, the training, his family miss him too. He still travels a lot, even though he has retired. That’s why I understand.”

While Nurmagomedov’s absence is not a total surprise given his recent announcement, some still thought he might make an exception for this fight, given that he helped set it up. After Makhachev won the lightweight title at UFC 280, Khabib was in the cage with him and he was the one who called for Makhachev to defend the belt against Volkanovski in Australia. Volkanovski does not believe it matters.

“They better not use it as an excuse once this is all done,” Volkanovski told Fox Sports Australia. Makhachev will be ready to fight at the end. He does not need anyone to help him. Doesn’t need someone to be in there with him. That’s not a real fighter. So if my hand is raised .”

UFC 284 takes place on Feb. 11 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

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TOP STORIES

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Legacy. Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua speaks on legacy after final fight, wants to be remembered as ‘role model.’

Altercation. Brandon Moreno details backstage altercation with Alexandre Pantoja after UFC 283 win.

Warning. Jiri prochazka delivers a fiery message of support to Jamahal Hill, the new UFC light-heavyweight champion.

Damage. Glover Teixeira avoids major injuries in UFC 283 war with Jamahal Hill.

Rivalry. Jose Aldo confirms Conor McGregor once put red panties on his door at UFC 200.

Boxing. Tyson Fury responds to Francis Ngannou, calls for 4-ounce glove boxing match for ‘big boy money.’

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VIDEO STEW

UFC 283 Post Show.

Daniel Cormier reacts to UFC 283.

Israel Adesanya reacts to UFC 283.

Stephen Thompson kicking random objects.

Oh god, no.

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LISTEN UP

On To The Next One. Matches to make following UFC 283.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Next up.

Respect.

Welterweight struggles.

Terrance McKinney.

Owning up to an error.

Not sure Renato Moicano knows what retirement means.

Call out.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (39-10) vs. Steve Garcia (13-5); UFC 281, April 8.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow!

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EXIT POLL

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Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/1/23/23567311/islam-makhachev-confirms-khabib-nurmagomedov-wont-be-in-corner-ufc-284-alexander-volkanovski?rand=96749