Islam Makhachev Manager Bursts Bubble of Wishful Fans Hoping For Khamzat Chimaev Super Fight

There have been several champion vs. champion fights in UFC history, with champions fighting each other after dominating their respective divisions. These fights are cemented in MMA history as they usually showcase fighters putting on praiseworthy performances against opponents who are equally matched.

Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev‘s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently spoke out on a fan favourite matchup for the Dagestani native. Middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has proved himself in every aspect of the fight game.

Chimaev finally earned himself championship gold at UFC 319 with an impressive performance against Dricus Du Plessis. Fans have anticipated a fight between Makhachev and Chimaev due to their similar grappling prowess. However, Abdelaziz did not seem interested at all in making the bout.

The MMA executive has been with Makhachev since the beginning of his career and has also managed his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, throughout his undisputed title run. Abdelaziz was clear about his thoughts regarding a bout between ‘Borz’ and Makhachev in an interview with Submission Radio.

This will never happen. Khamzat is too big. I don’t think he can ever make welterweight again. No way. These guys, they know each other, they’re from the same region, and honestly, this fight makes absolutely no sense.

Ali Abdelaziz via Submission Radio

Ali Abdelaziz says Islam vs Khamzat will never happen 🚫🤝

"This will never happen. Khamzat is too big, I don’t think he can ever make welterweight again. They know each other, they’re from the same region, and honestly this fight makes absolutely no sense."

(via… pic.twitter.com/b6PlTQdrXu

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 28, 2025

Makhachev is no longer the champion, as he has relinquished his title to move up in weight and challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. He is aiming to elevate himself to two-division champion status. However, he has snubbed a potential fight against Chimaev, believing it would cause unnecessary conflicts between the people of their region.

Chimaev and Makhachev both hail from the Caucasus region of Russia and are fan favorites in their respective republics. Fans have noticed a certain tentativeness of fighters from this region to face each other in championship fights. However, the only instance that this has been seen was when Umar Nurmagomedov came short against bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311.

There is no doubt that fighters from the Caucasus regions have made their mark in the UFC with their superior wrestling and grappling prowess. However, fighters from these regions usually train together in extreme conditions. It likely forms a bond and a sense of brotherhood between them.

Khamzat Chimaev talks about a potential move to middleweight for Islam Makhachev in the future

Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev have undoubtedly made a name for themselves in the UFC with pure dominance and overpowering displays of strength. Khabib Nurmagomedov was the original trailblazer for introducing fighters from the Caucasus region into the UFC. However, Chimaev and Makhachev have consistently maintained cordial relations and shown mutual respect in public.

The Chechen superstar was seen talking to fellow MMA fighter Aslanbek Badaev, and the two discussed a potential move up to middleweight for Makhachev. However, ‘Borz’ was able to analyze the Dagestani protege’s strengths and weaknesses and believed that it would not be smart for him to move up to the 185 pound division.

Well, if Islam wants to, let him go up and try. I don’t know, I can’t give an answer about Islam right now. I haven’t trained with him. Maybe he can, maybe not. Maybe he can move up and find it easier. Only the Octagon can show.

Khamzat Chimaev via Aslanbek Badaev

Khamzat Chimaev is asked if Islam Makhachev is capable of competing at 185:

“If anyone could move up [and compete] at 170 or 185 it would be Khabib. As for Islam, I have my doubts because of his last fight. It was tough for him.”

🎥 Aslanbek Badaev #UFCpic.twitter.com/RFNNLI8lM0

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 18, 2025

‘Borz’ believed that it would be hard for Makhachev to move up two divisions; however, he did not extinguish any potential ideas. The Chechen superstar believed that only time can tell if the potential move to 185 pounds seems fruitful for Makhachev.

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