Where is Khabib Nurmagomedov? Why former MMA champion won’t be in Islam Makhachev’s corner at UFC 284
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s seamless transition from MMA dominant fighter to elite trainer is something to marvel at. Those in his stable have dominated the sport, with many becoming champions for the UFC and Bellator.
One of those fighters is UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev (23-1), 31, is on an 11-fight win streak, most recently beating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in October for the UFC Lightweight Title. Makhachev will have his hands full defending his title against Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in front of a Volkanovski-friendly crowd in his home country of Australia.
If the Russian sambo specialist can beat the Australian in a match of the UFC’s top two fighters, he could achieve the status of the UFC’s pound-for-pound king. Makhachev is ready for this fight, even if his camp will have a notable gap.
Remarkable? The absence of Khabib, who won’t corner Makhachev in the biggest fight of his career.
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According to some reports, the fighter-turned-trainer confirmed the news on social media with the following caption:
“Annual accounts. The year was certainly a very busy and successful one. Take care brothers. I hope my decision is for the best, a big hug to you all. Thank you, you were a big reason for my sporting success.”
Why won’t Khabib Nurmagomedov be in Islam Makhachev’s corner?
Khabib retired in 2020 after the death of his father after defending the UFC lightweight title three times. Eagle FC leader Khabib has been helping those at the American Kickboxing Academy gym.
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Regarding why he won’t be in Makhachev’s corner, Makhachev told Fox Sports Australia it has to do with Khabib being with his family.
“I understand him because he was retired, but he still traveled a lot with the whole team,” Makhachev said Fox Sports Australia, via MMA Junkie. “And if someone has a fight, they go to training camp, go to the other things. And when you retire, you want to spend time with your family. In 2022, for example, he was only at home with his family for two months, otherwise he was on the road a lot. So he wants to spend more time with his family.”
Volkanovski turned pro in 2012. He joined the UFC in 2016 and is up 12-0. Volkanovski beat Max Holloway for the UFC featherweight title in 2019 and has defended the belt four times and is 3-0 with Holloway. Volkanovski’s last fight was a unanimous decision win in July against the former champion.
MORE: What does the future hold for Alexander Volkanovski after UFC 284?
Khabib may not be physically in Makhachev’s corner at UFC 284, but his influence is still huge. Makhachev revealed that the two still communicated over a game plan.
“He’s still helping me. He just stopped traveling and that was it,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie during a media day. “But every morning he texts me, checks my weight, asks me how I train, what I’ve been doing. We are always on the phone.”
It is unknown if Khabib will return to full-time training. Despite the game plan Khabib has provided, it is unknown how this will affect Makhachev on fight night.