UFC 284 has just concluded, capping off a night with some incredible results and performances. Taking place in a ‘sold-out’ RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, the fans enjoyed a great night. Capping off his win, Islam Makhachev received a call from his mentor and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Taking on Alexander Volkanovski in the main event, Islam was making his first title defense on the night. After a good back and forth for 5 straight rounds, Islam was able to retain his lightweight title. Not only that, but the Dagestani fighter was also able to become the #1 P4P fighter in the UFC Men’s rankings.
📞 @TeamKhabib calls @MakhachevMMA to congratulate him after #UFC284
Brothers forever. pic.twitter.com/F6NcKy5npE
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2023
While celebrating his win backstage, Makhachev received a video call from Khabib Nurmagomedov. “Number 1 Pound for Pound King,” Khabib is heard saying, hailing his brethren for his achievement. Making his debut in 2015, Islam has worked his way up and has claimed the #1 P4P spot, dethroning Volkanovski.
Coming into the fight, many including Khabib were predicting a walk in the park for Islam. However, Volkanovski put in a great performance and gave Islam the most difficult fight of his career. Although Islam was edging ahead on the scorecards, a tremendous 5th round rally from Volk could have turned the fight of the night on its head.
#ANDSTILL the lightweight world champion
AND NEW P4P #1 in the world, @MakhachevMMA! #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/wv1zHwduwk
— UFC (@ufc) February 12, 2023
Having underestimated Volkanovski’s grappling and wrestling, Islam admitted that the Aussie put up a good fight. In the final round, Islam was caught by Volkanovski and had to shell up in order to prevent a TKO loss. Despite taking a lot of damage, the Dagestani was able to survive the scare and won the fight via a controversial unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards.
Despite his dominance for the majority of the fight, many fans were livid with the judge’s scorecards, labeling the fight a robbery. However, in hindsight, Islam really only lost the last round of the 5 round contest. Thus, the scorecards reflect the same, showing Islam taking the fight 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46.
Why was Khabib Nurmagomedov absent from UFC 284?
Notably, a big topic of discussion ahead of UFC 284 was the absence of Khabib Nurmagomedov from Islam’s camp. Previously, we have seen Khabib coaching Islam and being in his corner for almost every single fight. However, that was not the case this time around, and many felt that this could be Islam’s downfall.
After the fight, Islam revealed what Khabib told him during the call. According to Islam, he believes that the fight would have been much easier if Khabib was in his corner. Thus, Khabib has said that he will help Islam go over his mistakes once he gets back home. Recently, The Eagle revealed his intentions to walk away from the sport. In what is likely a promise to his aging mother, the former lightweight champ decided to leave MMA in its entirety and spend as much time as possible with his mother in Dagestan.
Despite his absence from Islam’s camp, Khabib was very vocal about everything that went on in his camp. According to Islam, Khabib used to text him every morning, checking up on his weight, sparring partners, and more. Additionally, Khabib was also extremely confident that Islam Makhachev would make a meal out of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284.
Although his predictions were not as accurate as he hoped, Khabib will still be proud of his disciple. Capturing the lightweight title at UFC 280 and now the #1 P4P spot at UFC 284, it seems that Khabib’s legacy will live on through Islam Makhachev. Thus, it appears that even after stepping away from the sport, Khabib’s impact on the sport will be there for the foreseeable future.
What did you make of Islam’s performance at UFC 284? Do you think he can be even better than Khabib? Who do you think he fights next? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.