Unlike previous matches, Islam Makhachev will not have the direction of Khabib Nurmagomedov in the training area. This caused Russian boxers to suffer more or less disadvantage in the confrontation with Alexander Volkanovski. However, Makachev said he fully understood why Khabib decided to withdraw.
“Everyone knows Khabib retired early for his family. Khabib's father had died and he wanted to spend more time with his mother and his wife and children. But even after playing, Khabib's intensity did not diminish,” Makhachev said. “Khabib has only changed the work from the fighter into a coach for the past 3 years.”
Since the day of training, as well as the MMA tournament in Russia, Khabib has continuously traveled around the world. According to Makhachev, “Russian Eagle” always tries to spend time with his family, but the busy work makes him only at home about 2 months per year.
Khabib no longer went with Makhachev to Australia to prepare for UFC 284, but he always watched his teammate. There are some information showing that Khabib and Makahchev maintain daily conversation and exchange. They even discussed the tactics used in the match to confront Volkanovski.
Rated as one of the best professional MMA matches in 2023, the competition between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski witnessed two contemporary UFC champions competing. While Volkanovski has to spread from Featherweight to Lightweight, Makhachev has the advantage of holding weight and is more appreciated.