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At UFC 284, Makhachev defends his lightweight title against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in a battle of the top two pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and he will do so without his longtime friend, teammate, and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in his corner.

Speaking with Fox Sports Australia over the weekend, Makhachev confirmed that Nurmagomedov, who recently decided to step away from MMA entirely for personal reasons, will not be making the trip to Australia for his upcoming superfight.

“When the cage door close, no one is there for you,” Makhachev said.

“Of course, it’s going to be different but I’ve already fought without him a couple of times. And he cannot always be with me. Of course, it’s very good when he is here. I always like when he is with me because he knows all the games being played. He knows what you need for the fight, for the weight cut, you don’t have to worry about any of this. It’s always good when you have someone as experienced as him. You don’t have to spend your energy thinking about other things. But I understand that he has to spend more time with his family. Because with all the fighting, the training, his family miss him too. Even though he is retired he’s still traveling a lot. That’s why I understand.”

While Nurmagomedov’s absence is not a total surprise given his recent announcement, some still thought he might make an exception for this fight, given that he helped set it up. After Makhachev won the lightweight title at UFC 280, Khabib was in the cage with him and he was the one who called for Makhachev to defend the belt against Volkanovski in Australia. That obviously is not the case though, and Volkanovski doesn’t think it will matter in the slightest.

“They better not use it as an excuse once this is all done,” Volkanovski told Fox Sports Australia. “At the end of the day, Makhachev will prepare and we’re going to fight. He doesn’t need someone to hold his hand. Doesn’t need someone to be in there with him. That’s not a real fighter. So when my hand gets raised, that better not come up.”

UFC 284 takes place on Feb. 11 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

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Results. Jamahal Hill and Brandon Moreno won gold at UFC 283.

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Legacy. Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua speaks on legacy after final fight, wants to be remembered as ‘role model.’

Altercation. Brandon Moreno details backstage altercation with Alexandre Pantoja after UFC 283 win.

Warning. Jiri Prochazka sends fiery message to new UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill.

Damage. Glover Teixeira avoids major injuries in UFC 283 war with Jamahal Hill.

Rivalry. Jose Aldo confirms Conor McGregor once put red panties on his door at UFC 200.

Boxing. Tyson Fury responds to Francis Ngannou, calls for 4-ounce glove boxing match for ‘big boy money.’

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UFC 283 Post Show.

Daniel Cormier reacts to UFC 283.

Israel Adesanya reacts to UFC 283.

Stephen Thompson kicking random objects.

Oh god, no.

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On To The Next One. Matches to make following UFC 283.

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Next up.

Respect.

Welterweight struggles.

Terrance McKinney.

Owning up to a mistake.

Not sure Renato Moicano understands what retirement is.

Call out.

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Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (39-10) vs. Steve Garcia (13-5); UFC 281, April 8.

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Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow!

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