“Do your homework before talking trash” – Islam Makhachev CLAPS BACK at Max Holloway for inactivity claims

Islam Makhachev sternly sneers back at Max Holloway for criticizing his slow output and gag of fighting lower ranking opponents.

“Do your homework before talking trash” – Islam Makhachev CLAPS BACK at Max Holloway for inactivity claims

Islam Makhachev fires back at claims of slow turnaround (Source: IMAGO)

UFC 300 marks Justin Gaethje making his first-ever BMF title defense against Max Holloway. The former featherweight champion returns to the division after five years. His return has subsequently opened up doors to a rivalry with current lightweight king Islam Makhachev. The Dagestani fighter recently clapped back at Holloway’s claims of slow turnarounds.

The champion had harsh criticism of the ‘BMF’ title fight blocking out Justin Gaethje. Accordingly, Max Holloway used Alexander Volkanovski as an example to criticize Makhachev. Holloway even dug in that despite UFC 294 brutal knockout loss, Volk returned to action faster than Makhachev. It is safe to say Makhachev did not respond in kind. 

For the record: since 2021 I fought 7 times, while Holloway did 5 fights and Justin just 4... Do your homework before talking trash about your champ :)
Islam Makhachev via X (@MAKHACHEVMMA)
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Speaking to MMA Junkie‘s Mike Bohn, Islam Makhachev had nudged that the ‘BMF’ title left him without an opponent for title contention. Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan is UFC 300’s yet another 155-pound clash but with #1 contender implications. Neither would make a quick title fight turnaround, as wouldn’t Justin Gaethje.

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Makhachev, a devout Muslim, has clarified that he won’t compete during Ramadan. He’s considering defending his title against veteran lightweight Dustin Poirier in June. There’s always a running gag of Makhachev opting for unranked opponents (other than Volkanovski). A win with Poirier should put a dent into that, as would Max Holloway if they ever fight.

Max Holloway has more wins over lightweight champions than Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje

Max Holloway makes his way back to the lightweight division and faces Justin Gaethje next at UFC 300. He is gunning for the illustrious ‘BMF’ silver strap and is solely focused on it. But MMA fans cannot help but wonder if a win over Gaethje would mean ‘Blessed’ entering the crowded lightweight title contention picture.

Max Holloway weighs in on claims made by Islam Makhachev about his and Justin Gaethje's fight
Max Holloway and Islam Makhachev (Source: Instagram/IMAGO)

Interestingly, Makhachev nor Gaethje has defeated any undisputed lightweight champions in their career. During his rise to the top, Makhachev did not face any former lightweight champions. Moreover, his only win over a lightweight champion came against Charles Oliveira. On the other hand, Gaethje only has wins over interim champions like Tony Ferguson and Dustin Poirier. He did not defeat Oliveira or Khabib Nurmagomedov when he got the chance.

Holloway has defeated more undisputed lightweight champions in his career than Makhachev and Gaethje. He defeated Anthony Pettis, Frankie Edgar, and Oliveira during their time in the featherweight division. As such, he has an interesting record to boast over Gaethje and Makhachev.

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