5 Reasons why Khabib Nurmagomedov's absence is detrimental for Islam Makhachev's chances of retaining title at UFC 284
UFC 284 will be headlined by Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. The Degastani grappling great will attempt to make his first successful title defense after capturing the divisional crown against Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.
Meanwhile, Alexander Volkanovski is the reigning featherweight king. He'll be making his UFC lightweight debut in a bid to challenge the AKA standout for the 155 lbs throne. While the two are exceptional fighters who each have only one loss inside the octagon, Makhachev's success has been more formulaic.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has been a consistent part of that winning formula. But come fight night, 'The Eagle' will not be in his training partner's corner like he's been for the past few fights. This, however, might be detrimental to Makhachev's success, and this list details five reasons why that's the case.
#5. Islam Makhachev benefits from Khabib Nurmagomedov's grappling knowledge
In his heyday, Khabib Nurmagomedov's greatest strength inside the octagon was his grappling acumen. Dustin Poirier was one of the last fighters to face 'The Eagle' in the cage. According to him, it felt like the undefeated Russian was always a step ahead of him in the grappling phase of their bout.
This was due to Nurmagomedov's deep pool of grappling knowledge. Once he became a coach, this knowledge was apparent. When Islam Makhachev faced Dan Hooker, 'The Eagle' was instrumental in his protege securing the win. Nurmagomedov walked the AKA standout through the finishing sequence.
The combo of Islam with Khabib in his corner is so potent.
Using the Kimura to control the far shoulder and safely pass the butterfly hook.
And then stepping over Hookers head to stop the get up and increase leverage on the Kimura 🤌 https://t.co/5d3eiZe0VA
While Makhachev and Hooker were on the mat, 'The Eagle' instructed his countryman to hook his leg behind 'The Hangman's' head. This granted Makhachev more leverage and better control of his foe's posture, enabling him to fully lock in the kimura.
He also instructed Islam Makhachev against Charles Oliveira. When the Brazilian had him pinned against the fence, Nurmagomedov instructed him to hook his leg on the outside of 'Do Bronx's' to secure an outside trip. It was successful. Without 'The Eagle's' input, Islam Makhachev will have a harder time at UFC 284.
#4. Islam Makhachev will experience a loss of morale
Support can be a massive factor in how a fighter performs. This is part of the reason why UFC fighters usually benefit from competing in front of their hometown supporters. Unfortunately, fighters aren't always in a position to do so. But they still have their corners, which are often filled with coaches and training partners.
Khabib Nurmagomedov here in the corner of his longtime teammate and close friend Islam Makhachev. What a huge spot this is for Makhachev against Drew Dober at #UFC259 https://t.co/GjnHxYEdot
The fighter's cornermen are extremely important to their success inside the octagon. Sometimes, fighters need more than technical knowledge and tactical advice to win bouts. Once the tide of a bout turns against the fighter's favor and they become demoralized, they need a surge of morale.
But only the people closest to the fighter know how to motivate them in their darkest hour. No one knows Islam Makhachev as well as Khabib Nurmagomedov does. Thus, no one knows how to motivate him like 'The Eagle' does. Without him present for a pep talk, what will happen to Makhachev if the fight grows difficult?
#3. Khabib Nurmagomedov's absence might shake things up in a negative way
It is likely that the American Kickboxing Academy will replace Khabib Nurmagomedov with someone else in Islam Makhachev's corner. What the impact of doing so might have is unknown. It's possible that the reigning 155 lbs titleholder might perform as expected.
Khabib will NOT be in Islam Makhachev’s corner for his fight against Volk at #UFC284
Per @NikoPajarillo https://t.co/yZIlQRdTUB
But it's also likely that the Dagestani grappling phenom might underperform. Changes made to the structure of Makhachev's corner could have adverse effects. The person that AKA uses as a replacement for Nurmagomedov might give conflicting advice during important moments.
Javier Mendez might say one thing and 'The Eagle's' replacement might say another conflicting bit. This could lead to chaos in the overall strategic development of the bout from Islam Makhachev's perspective.
#2. Khabib Nurmagomedov has experience fighting champions
Every UFC champion has experience facing at least one other champion since it's the only way they can capture a title in the first place. But that doesn't discount how valuable the championship experience is. Thus far, Islam Makhachev has only faced one champion, Charles Oliveira.
Three years ago today, Khabib Nurmagomedov captured the UFC lightweight championship 🏆
He would not relinquish the title until his retirement, going on to defend it three times against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. https://t.co/ztQd2WFYHp
Khabib Nurmagomedov, however, has far more experience. The retired Russian defeated undisputed champion Conor McGregor and two interim champions Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier. Having faced more high-level opponents, he knows what needs to be done to defeat someone like Alexander Volkanovski.
His input regarding how to push another strong-willed fighter to the limit in the championship rounds would have benefited the Dagestani phenom. But without 'The Eagle's' shared experience, Islam Makhachev might have a tougher time than he expects.
#1. Islam Makhachev will be lacking Khabib Nurmagomedov's insight into his opponent's striking
During a backstage interview after Islam Makhachev's title-winning triumph, Khabib Nurmagomedov spoke openly about one of the strategies they might employ against Alexander Volkanovski. In doing so, he revealed great knowledge of 'The Great's' tendencies as a striker.
Khabib has a clear message for Alexander Volkanovski
“You must prepare brother “
#UFC280 https://t.co/3cDJe4EvmR
The featherweight kingpin has a habit of ducking into clinch entries. This renders him particularly vulnerable to intercepting knees. This is something that Khabib Nurmagomedov noticed, which is why he mentioned a combination of the Thai clinch and knees as a strategy against 'The Great'.
This penchant for game-planning will be sorely missed if Makhachev finds himself in trouble against Volkanovski during kickboxing exchanges. Nurmagomedov clearly has an eye for striking exchanges and will be sorely missed if he isn't in Makhachev's corner.