Islam Makhachev first appeared at the UFC in May 2015; lost only once against Adriano Martins, but after that, he never lost a bout in the biggest MMA promotion in the world.
In his last fight, this Dagestani superstar defeated the Brazilian, Charles Oliveira, which earned him the UFC lightweight title.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM2pd_4DtfE
On the same day, Makhachev was challenged by UFC featherweight title holder Alexander Volkanovski to fight for the No. 1 spot in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings; later, the Russian accepted the bout, and now they will square off against each other on February 12, 2023, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
Makhachev is also known for his affiliation with the former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who trained him so far, but earlier this month the Eagle announced his retirement as a coach, so this time the UFC Hall of Famer will not be seen beside the octagon while his apprentice Makhachev will be fighting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A637jvn7dk
Recently, while talking to Niko Pajarillo of FOX Sports, Makhachev confirmed the news that Khabib will not corner him at the main event of 284.
“Islam Makhachev has told me Khabib will not corner him at UFC 284 in Perth.”
Islam Makhachev has told me Khabib will not corner him at UFC 284 in Perth.
@FOXSportsAUS @MainEventTV #MMA #UFC pic.twitter.com/FV41ZXhFc9— Niko Pajarillo (@NikoPajarillo) January 22, 2023
However, during a press conference, Khabib’s cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, revealed that the undefeated lightweight does not want to travel anymore to spend much time with the family, and that’s the real reason for his retirement.
“Nothing changes we brothers. He will not travel too much and will take care of himself, his family, his mother. This is very hard, traveling too much, cornering everybody; this is not easy. That is why he made the decision, and I’m happy for him… I don’t think he can stop; he will still control me and my brother, some other guys, but not the same; he doesn’t want to travel, doesn’t want to come to camps and stay with us for a couple of months.”
Umar Nurmagomedov on Khabib's decision to step back from coaching: "I don't think he can stop, he will still control me and my brother, some other guys, but not the same (way), he doesn't want to travel, doesn't want to come to camps and stay with us for a couple of months." pic.twitter.com/smEYjIU9YV
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 11, 2023
