Islam Makhachev’s Championship run ‘turned upside-down’ after upsetting Beneil Dariush defeat to Charles Oliveira
Islam Makhachev speaks on prospective fights for title defense in the latest interview.
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Islam Makhachev opens up after Charles Oliveira defeats Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 ( Image source: L/R- Getty Images )
Islam Makhachev, the current Lightweight champion, finds himself in a state of bewilderment and uncertainty following Beneil Dariush‘s defeat at the hands of Charles Oliveira in the thrilling UFC 289 showdown. Back in October 2022, Makhachev claimed the Lightweight title from Oliveira, and now, with the possibility of a rematch emerging one year later, the champion’s future opponent remains unknown.
The potential prospect of a rematch, set to take place at the same venue and time as their previous encounter, fails to ignite Makhachev’s enthusiasm as one might expect. During the inaugural Eagle FC event of 2023 held in Dagestan, reporters managed to catch up with Makhachev, where he shed light on various topics, including his relatively inactive year in terms of fights.
Since his controversial decision victory over the inflated Featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, Makhachev has yet to step foot inside the octagon. Recalling his recent conversation with UFC officials, Makhachev shared, “While I was in the USA meeting with the UFC, I expressed my desire for a summer fight — they informed me that scheduling about in the summer would not allow sufficient time to fight in Abu Dhabi…they have plans to organize a match for me,” he said.
As for Makhachev’s next adversary, uncertainty looms. Initially, Makhachev had fervently hoped for Dariush’s triumph over Oliveira. Commenting on the fight, Makhachev expressed, “It was a good fight. Oliveira emerged as the victor. Nevertheless, I was supporting Dariush,” he said. “…I believed it would present me with a fresh challenge. With Dariush securing eight consecutive victories, I cannot confirm if my next fight will indeed be a rematch against Charles.”
Islam Makhachev reveals future plans and prospective fights
Makhachev also conveyed his desire to face a new opponent, stating, “Undoubtedly, I seek to add a new name to my record. It would be advantageous for me. If Oliveira chooses not to fight me now, people may claim that I am evading him. I have never been the one to select my opponents.. prepared to face anyone the UFC assigns me. I do not fear his grappling skills like other fighters do; I can take him down whenever I please.”
Furthermore, Makhachev expressed his willingness to entertain the possibility of a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski, asserting, “The same applies to Volkanovski. If offered a rematch with him, I would gladly accept it,” he said. When posed with the question of whom he would personally choose as his next opponent, if given the liberty to decide, Makhachev pondered and responded, “To be honest, I am unsure. Perhaps Poirier; he possesses a significant reputation within the UFC.”
Currently, Islam Makhachev finds himself deeply regretful about the missed opportunity in the fight that eluded him. Expressing his disappointment, he articulated, “Dariush’s loss has turned everything upside-down. At this moment, I cannot provide any definitive statements,” he said. “If he had emerged victorious against Oliveira, it would have been a formidable contest. Dariush’s skills were highly esteemed, and it could have been a tremendous fight.”
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Neial Nishant Bhuyan
(1679 Articles Published)