UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev, is going to have his hardest fight yet at UFC 284. No, it's not because his opponent is Featherweight Champion, Alexander Volkanovski. It is because his cousin and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, will not be in his corner for the first time in five fights. Islam's last fight without Khabib was in late 2019. As we know, Khabib said a few weeks ago he was stepping away from MMA to spend time with his family. He just confirmed this news this past weekend.
Truth is, Islam is still a machine with a record of eighteen-and-one without Khabib and will probably still beat Volk. However, I don't believe Islam is a lock anymore and will most certainly lose to Beneil Dariush if Islam gets past Volk. If Volk does end up beating Makhachev in February people are all going to say it was because of Khabib's absence. Volk is very tough to get on the ground, but can he put on a big enough striking clinic to defeat the Champion? It's hard to say because we have never seen Volk fight anyone like Islam in the Featherweight division. The sambo background and growing up training with Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (Khabib's Father) gives Islam such a unique style of fighting that only the Dagestani fighters are seen using.
As I mentioned above I believe if Islam defeats Volk he will lose to Beneil Dariush. If by chance the UFC does not book Dariush vs Makhachev, Dustin Poirer will probably get an opportunity. Without Khabib in his corner, I could see Dustin knocking Islam out. Outside of Conor, Dustin looked the best inside the octagon with Khabib. The Diamond had Khabib in a guillotine which is kind of crazy to think about. Poirier is also the only person to ever submit Michael Chandler. Maybe Dustin was onto something when he called out all his jiu-jitsu criticizers after he tapped Chandler out. Not even Oliveira could manage to tap Chandler out, he had to put him out. Speaking of Charles, if he manages to get a rematch he may be able to reverse what happened. Although it is hard to unsee the results of UFC 280 even without Khabib because Islam deserves credit for becoming champion like he is the guy who is fighting the fights. Yet, coaching is extremely important. Islam's one loss is a knockout. Islam brought Khabib into his corner to face none other than Drew Dober, who just happens to be tied for the record of most knockouts in the UFC Lightweight Division with Dustin Poirier. Islam submitted Dober in round three. If Islam's reign continues and Dober manages to climb the rankings a rematch without Khabib only has to better his chances. Rafael Fiziev is another name who could slip into a championship bout. He's scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje in the co-main event of UFC 286. Fiziev's Muay Thai makes him a human highlight reel. A flashy knockout against Gaethje could do wonders for a career.
All of these hypothetical opponents for Islam would be exciting fights, but first Islam has to get through Alexander Volkanovski's quest to become double champ. I also think Khabib stepping out of Islam's corner will give Islam a chance to step out of the shadow of Khabib. You have to respect Khabib for that, after all he is a legend and has given so much to the sport. It's time he puts his feet up.
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