Ahead of their clash in UFC 284, champions Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev squared off in a Sydney alleyway on Sunday. With less than a month to go, the UFC has already started working on promotional activities for the bout. While this will be Makhachev’s first title defense, Volkanovski is moving up a weight class in a bid to add one more title under his belt. Although this event is hyped up to be one of the biggest of the year, another piece of news has mildly overshadowed it for a week or so. The news, in this case, is Khabib Nurmagomedov’s reported retirement from coaching.

Although Islam Makhachev seemed unfazed by Khabib’s absence, Volkanovski on the other hand expressed his opinion on it, which was a clear reflection of the confidence he is carrying into the fight. The Australian warned beforehand that when he wins, Nurmagomedov’s absence better not be used as an excuse.

Alexander Volkanovski on the topic of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s absence

As Makhachev prepares for the biggest fight of his career, Nurmagomdov, who had announced that he won’t be involved in the sport anymore, won’t be present in the lightweight champ’s corner after a long time. While a lot has been made out of his retirement, Volkanovski seemed to not care too much about it.

As reported by Fox Sports, Volkanovski pointed out that Makhachev was the one going to fight and it didn’t matter if Khabib would be in his corner: “And they better not use it as an excuse once this is all done. At the end of the day, Makhachev will prepare and we’re going to fight. He doesn’t need someone to hold his hand.”

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“How Much Islam Needs Khabib”: ‘Big Speculation’ Around Islam Makhachev’s MMA Career Post UFC 284

Makhachev himself is not too fazed by the absence of his long-time friend and coach.

Does Volkanovski think Islam Makhachev is undeserving?

Although the Lightweight champion has looked phenomenal in his title run, Volkanovski had an interesting opinion to share. Even though he believes Makhachev is a deserving champion, he feels the Dagestan might have an easier way up.

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“Having Khabib in his corner has certainly helped in many ways. Has seen him get certain treatment. So do I think he’s a worthy champion? One hundred percent I do.”

However, he feels Makhachev had it relatively easy in comparison.

At the end of the day, the discussion of Nurmagomedov’s absence is clearly a hot topic. But as both the athletes stated, it will have no effect on the day of the fight. When the cage door closes, it’s just the two fighters battling it out alone.