Following Islam Makhachev’s successful title defense against Alexander Volkanovski, many wondered if Khabib Nurmagomedov’s absence would have had a role in the fight.
Since Makhachev had to dig deep in the final moments of the fight, comparisons between him and Nurmagomedov were definitely bound to arise. Now, AKA head coach Javier Mendez’s comments on what Nurmagomedov had confided to him heading into the fight have shed light on what their camp felt about Volkanovski.
The former undefeated fighter, as per Mendez, claimed that the Australian would be the toughest challenge for the current lightweight champ. Which ultimately points to how well the current champ has proved himself to be.
February 12, 2023, Perth, Perth, Australia, Australia: PERTH, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 12: R-L Islam Makhachev battles Alex Volkanovski in their Lightweight title fight during the UFC 284 event at Rac Arena on February 12, 2023 in Perth, Australia. Perth Australia – ZUMAp175 20230212_zsa_p175_154 Copyright: xMattxDaviesx
Considering the fact that Volkanovski was touted to be his hardest opponent by none other than Nurmagomedov; it’s quite impressive that Makhachev was able to pull off the victory with a unanimous decision. Another impressive fact to note was that ‘The Eagle’ was able to predict this exact scenario as stated by Mendez.
Javier Mendez claims Khabib Nurmagomedov predicted how the UFC 284 main event would go
While talking to Submission Radio, the 52-year-old expressed his amazement. He talked about how his former student was able to forecast the challenges that Volkanovski put forth.
“He actually became the challenge Khabib told me he was going to be. Khabib told me that he felt that Alex was going to be the toughest challenge for Islam. And that Islam was going to have to grind it through to the end, you know,” stated Mendez.
Moreover, he also mentioned that from what evidence he had from watching Makhachev train, it was initially hard to agree with. “That’s what he felt; and I said, ‘well I didn’t know’ because the way I looked at Islam, he looked fantastic in training. So uh, but Khabib had a feeling that it was going to be a tougher fight than I anticipated myself.”
Although after watching the fight, Mendez was of the opinion that ‘The Eagle’ hit the mark with his prediction.
“Khabib hit it on the nail. Khabib said this would be his toughest fight. And it actually was.” Expressed the coach.
Islam Makhachev defends Lightweight title in a gritty battle against Alexander Volkanovski
As predicted by Nurmagomedov, the battle was indeed the hardest one yet so far for his friend and protégé. Despite looking exhausted towards the end, the 31-year-old was able to utilize his wrestling to gain control.
Although Makhachev did show his mettle, fans were undoubtedly more impressed with the featherweight champ’s performance. Coming into the fight as an underdog, Volkanovski too had to face the Dagestani’s elite wrestling. Surprisingly, he did an impressive job in getting up after multiple takedowns; even managing to create a few chances of his own.
Ultimately, the decision did go to Makhachev, much to the dislike of the Australian crowd. But despite this loss, Volkanovski proved that he belonged at the top of the UFC P4P table while earning the right to call for a rematch.
It also seems that Khabib Nurmagomedov clearly hasn’t lost his knack for fighting. Mendez’s revelation about what ‘The Eagle’ felt about Volkanovski clearly means that the former lightweight still has a keen eye on fighting and the sport in itself.
