“When it’s over, they better not use Khabib’s absence as an excuse,” Volkanovski told FOX Sports. “After all, Makhachev was preparing for the fight, and he does not need anyone to hold his hand. Therefore, when my hand is raised, it is better not to tell them about it.
Volkanovski considers Makhachev a worthy champion, but believes that his friendship with Nurmagomedov shortened his path to a title fight.
“Certainly having Khabib in the corner helped him in one way or another. Do I consider Islam a worthy champion? One hundred percent yes. But did he go the way that I went to get a title shot? Probably not. But then again, he beat the champion, which means he deserved the belt.
Recall that the Russian-Australian title confrontation in lightweight will be the main event of the UFC 284 tournament, which will be held February 11 in Perth.