Islam Makhachev (bloody elbow)
Islam Makhachev reveals the future plan set by the UFC for him
In a recent interview, reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev revealed details about his meeting with UFC officials and shed light on his future inside the octagon. Following his successful title defense against Alexander Volkanovski in February, Makhachev expressed his desire to compete in the United States this summer.
During the Eagle FC 52 event earlier this month, Makhachev disclosed that the UFC had other plans for him. The organization wanted him to fight in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in the near future. In a video interview posted on the YukaHero YouTube channel, with translations provided by the Stiopic Khabib YouTube channel, Makhachev expressed his disappointment about the UFC’s decision to turn down his request for a summer fight in the US.
“I was in the USA and met with the UFC. I asked for a fight in the summer,” Makhachev revealed. “But they informed me that if I fought in the summer, I wouldn’t have time to compete in Abu Dhabi. They already have a plan to organize a fight for me there.”
Makhachev’s quotes highlight the clash between his aspirations and the UFC’s strategic vision. While he aimed to showcase his skills on American soil, the organization had already set its sights on Abu Dhabi for his next fight. The decision implies that the UFC has mapped out Makhachev’s path and is actively working towards his future bouts.
As fans eagerly anticipate Makhachev’s next appearance in the octagon, it remains to be seen how his future unfolds. With his dominant performance against Volkanovski cementing his status as the lightweight champion, Makhachev’s next fight in Abu Dhabi could further solidify his position at the top of the division. The Dagestani fighter’s journey continues, and MMA enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await his next move.
The prospect of Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje competing for the BMF title doesn’t appear to impress Islam Makhachev. The thrilling lightweight clash was just revealed by UFC president Dana White as the main event of UFC 291 on July 29 in Salt Lake City.
The UFC designed a commemorative belt called “Baddest Motherfker” (BMF) to promote a fight between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal. Diaz challenged Gamebred to a fight after his victory over Anthony Pettis at UFC 241, during which he declared himself the “baddest motherfker in the game.” After defeating Diaz at UFC 244, Masvidal became the undisputed BMF champion and remained so until his retirement.
The UFC would like a rematch between the two lightweight sluggers now that ‘Gamebred’ has given up his honorary belt, with the winner fighting for the BMF championship.
Popular opinion holds that both Poirier and Gaethje are very skilled fighters, but Islam Makhachev doesn’t see one of them taking home the uncontested championship. The lightweight champion sarcastically quoted a tweet from MMA Junkie’s fight poster and wrote:
“You deserve this belt.”
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