UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev squares off against the pound-for-pound champ, Alexander Volkanovski. While he travels to a foreign land and defends his title before a hostile audience, the absence of Khabib Nurmagomedov might have significant repercussions on the super fight. ‘The Great’, therefore, already had issued a warning to not use the absence as an excuse. However, the speculations of ‘The Eagle’ absence have floated enough, and the lightweight kingpin recently laid rest to the uneasy conjectures. Besides, he opens up about how he plans to overcome the gaping hole in his corner.

In a conversation with Fox Sports Australia, the 31-year-old talked about his upcoming champion bout. Also, he disclosed the reason behind the UFC Hall of Famer’s absence that left the fans guessing.

Islam Makhachev reveals the reason for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s absence

Niko Pajarillo towards the end of the conversation addressed the elephant in the room as he enquired the Dagestani champion about his training partner-turned-mentor nonattendance.

Thus, the former sambo world champion stated, “I understand him because you know he was retired. But he still travel a lot with all team. And when somebody have fight, he go to the training camp. Went to the other things you know and he cannot spend.”

“When you retire, you want to spend more time with your family. But yes, like for example 2020, he stays like just two months, he stay in the home with family. But all other time he travel a lot. That’s why he want to spend more time with his family,” Makhachev added later on.

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Following this, the interviewer quizzed the American Kickboxing Academy product about moving on as a champion without the 34-year-old fighter.

Makhachev on moving on as champion without ‘The Eagle’

Makhachev, at 23-1, mentioned he fought a couple of times without him in the corner. Further, he acknowledged Nurmagomedov gave him good support as well as a good talk about the upcoming fight.

Read More: “This Guy, That’s Who Is Lying” – Daniel Cormier Once Got Into a Debate With Khabib & Islam Makhachev Over USA vs. Dagestan Wrestling

In addition, the undefeated Russian fighter, who retired with a record of 29-0, gave Makhachev a plan that he had to execute in the fight.

Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight title for the first time at UFC 284 in RAC Arena, Perth on February 12.

Watch This Story: Five MMA Rising Prospects That Train Under Khabib Nurmagomedov

What do you think of these statements by UFC champion Islam Makhachev? Do you also agree that Khabib’s absence is a concern for the champion? Let us know in the comments below.