
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev isn’t concerned about Khabib Nurmagomedov missing from his corner, because it’s not the first time.
Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) mentor, announced that his role traveling and cornering fighters will be significantly reduced this year. “The Eagle” won’t be in Makhachev’s corner for his title defense against featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski (25-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC) on Feb. 11 at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia.