Islam Makhachev seemed open to a fight against Justin Gaethje next
Khabib Nurmagomedov retiring from the UFC has shifted the focus on another Dagestani star, Islam Makhachev.
Khabib, and many others, have claimed that Makhachev is a future champion. The Russian has been impressive in his MMA career with just one loss to his name.
Makhachev was also coached by Khabib in his previous fight, a dominant win over Drew Dober. Makhachev and Khabib are close friends and The Eagle believes Islam will be a contender for the title soon.
Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira are to fight for the vacant Lightweight title and Makhachev shared his thoughts on this clash.
However, the rising UFC star was also asked about the possibility of fighting Justin Gaethje next. Rafael dos Anjos and Paul Felder were two names that have been brought up as Makhachev’s next opponent too.
Makhachev was keen on fighting Chandler and added that they weren’t friends or anything:
“Yes, it’s possible. Justin and I know each other but it’s not like we are friends.
“It’s possible, he’s free right now. Why not? I’d love to fight him.”
Makhachev, like many Russian fighters is under the management of Ali Abdelaziz. The Egyptian is also the manager of Khabib and Gaethje.
A reporter asked if Makhachev could sit with Gaethje and Ali and set the fight up. However, the Russian revealed that the UFC would decide who he would fight next.
Makhachev is a big name now in the Lightweight division and all eyes would be on him ahead of his next fight.
Khabib claimed that his friend could headline a UFC event in June or July, and it will be interesting to see if that really happens.
Gaethje, for his part, was keen on fighting Chandler next. The Highlight posted his shock about the UFC 262 title fight but just kept his head down and continued working out:
“I woke up yesterday to train for a match-up with Chandler on May 15th expecting a bout agreement any moment. Today that is not the case, I don’t know what I do yet but I like this feeling. It was a good day at sparring practice.”
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