Dana White ‘make no sense’ with plans for Islam Makhachev, claims Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 matchups

Khabib Nurmagomedov questions UFC CEO for not having a clear contender for the lightweight champion.

Dana White ‘make no sense’ with plans for Islam Makhachev, claims Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 300 matchups

Khabib Nurmagomedov slams Dana White for not having a clear contender for Islam Makhachev (via Imago)

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov is still an authentic voice in the MMA community. The undefeated fighter from Dagestan was recently questioned about the UFC’s booking plans for the lightweight division. He felt that the way Dana White had set the lightweight division bouts left champion Islam Makhachev without a clear contender.

Nurmagomedov failed to see the logic in Max Holloway fighting Justin Gaethje. He felt Holloway should fight Ilia Topuria next. As per him, Gaethje was the obvious choice to fight Makhachev in the spring or early summer. This is what he said:

I don’t understand why UFC make this fight. Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway: It makes no sense… Holloway is supposed to fight with Ilia Topuria next… Justin Gaethje is supposed to fight with Islam in May or June, and Tsarukyan vs. Oliveira, they fight in April…It makes no sense why they don’t give Islam Justin Gaethje, why they make him fight vs. Holloway.
Khabib Nurmagomedov via MMA Junkie
YouTube video

The UFC claimed Makhachev was injured. However, Khabib Nurmagomedov reported the champion was healthy and ready to defend the title soon. Matching Gaethje with Holloway at lightweight made no sense in Nurmagomedov’s opinion.

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Nurmagomedov still trains with Makhachev, who won the belt in 2022. Many assumed Gaethje would challenge Makhachev next. Instead, Gaethje faces Holloway for the BMF belt at UFC 300. Former champ Charles Oliveira battles rising contender Arman Tsarukyan on the same card. The Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan winner would typically earn the next title shot. But the Holloway vs. Gaethje winner could argue they deserve it more.

Dana White recently announced the number 1 contender for a crack at the lightweight belt

Dana White recently announced the number one contender fight for the lightweight division. This bout will take place at UFC 300 on April 13th. Former champion Charles Oliveira will face surging contender Arman Tsarukyan.

Dana White revealed the number 1 contender fight for the lightweight division
Dana White revealed the number 1 contender fight for the lightweight division (via Imago/DAZN)

The UFC CEO recently revealed that the current lightweight king, Islam Makhachev, was injured. Oliveira now battles Tsarukyan at UFC 300. Dana White labeled the Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan fight as a number one contender bout. The winner seems likely to challenge Makhachev for the belt later this year once healthy.

Oliveira lost his title to Islam Makhachev in October of 2022. But Oliveira rebounded with a recent TKO of Beneil Dariush to earn another shot. The title fight rematch between Oliveira and Makhachev was canceled due to Oliveira getting injured. Tsarukyan is on a three-fight winning streak, including a knockout of Dariush last December. If Tsarukyan defeats Oliveira, he earns his first UFC title shot opportunity.

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