Islam Makhachev on why Khabib Nurmagomedov hasn't been spending "more time in the gym" of late
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has given fans an update in regards to Khabib Nurmagomedov's current status in MMA.
Nurmagomedov is widely considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time and amassed a stunning 29-0 record in his time as a professional. Following his decision to step away from fighting in 2020, 'The Eagle' transitioned to coaching, working alongside award-winning coach Javier Mendez at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA).
Nurmagomedov's switch to coaching proved to be an immediate success as Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov captured the UFC and Bellator lightweight titles, respectively, whilst under his tutelage.
Despite the success, the 34-year-old took to Instagram at the beginning of the year and stated that he was taking a step back from MMA altogether.
In a recent interview with Carlos Contreras Legaspi, Makhachev gave fans some insight into his UFC 284 training camp and what it's been like without his compatriot around.
According to Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov is missed by everybody, but he's still available to offer advice and fight strategies:
"We're missing him. We're missing him in the gym, always now he's not spending more time in the gym. He's traveling a lot and has business and family but he still comes in and gives me good advice. We make the plans together but now he just stays with his family."
Catch the interview here:
Spoke with the Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev who wants a KO over Alex Volkanovski to prove his striking skills, prefers a fight against Beniel Dariush next and explains how Khabib Nurmagomedov is still helping with the fight plan for #UFC284
Via @ESPNDeportes @espnmma https://t.co/9N48SgHKyC
Islam Makhachev unhappy with UFC 284 promotion
Earlier this week, Islam Makhachev stated that he is unhappy with Dana White and the UFC for an apparent lack of promotion for his title bout with Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 next week.
The pair are set to face off in Perth, Australia as Volkanovski is taking the step up to lightweight for Makhachev's first title defense. The added caveat is that both men are also fighting for the No.1 UFC pound-for-pound spot, which 'The Great' currently holds.
In a recent interview with RSport Russia, Islam Makhachev expressed his disappointment regarding the event's coverage and believes Dana White's recent issues are partly to blame:
"I see that it is not such big promotion. Dana White himself has some problems, he does not pay much attention to this fight… In terms of pay-per-view, yes, more could have been done. I only saw Volkanovski once, in Sydney. A tour could be organized around the world, a conference could be held in America.” [Translated via MMA Junkie]
Islam Makhachev isn't feeling the promotional hype around his champ-vs-champ fight.
#UFC284 | More: bit.ly/3Ht3lCE https://t.co/6wnAYH9k6v