“They’re all good but…” P4P king Islam Makhachev has bad news for Arman Tsarukyan, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira
155lb king Islam Makhachev does not fancy the chances of his opposition. He praised the contenders but made a bleak prediction for their title chase.
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Islam Makhachev dismisses the chances of his divisional contenders (Source: Pinterest/Twitter)
#1 pound-for-pound fighter Islam Makhachev is on the top of the world right now. The lightweight king is on a 13-fight win streak with numerous challengers in sight. These include the likes of Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and even rising contender Arman Tsarukyan.
All the said fighters have made their case for a title shot with Islam Makhachev. Oliveira remains the next logical contender with Gaethje waiting in the wings. Meanwhile, rising star Tsarukyan also waits on the wings following his impressive win over Beneil Dariush. The top dog of the division, although finding the opposition commendable, remained dismissive of them overall. This is what Makhachev sent them:
Arman, Dustin, Justin, Charles they all good, they’re TOP 5 in the world, but none of them will get the belt, while I’m here. That’s it! @ufc @espnmma...Islam Makhachev via X
Makhachev had defeated all other opponents hands-on. Makhachev’s lone skid came to Adriano Martins in 2015 via a first-round knockout. His other tough fights came at the hands of Arman Tsarukyan and Alexander Volkanovksi.
Oliviera was supposed to headline UFC 294 along with the Dagestani. However, he had to pull out after incurring a cut above the brow in training. As for the Dagestani himself, he remains ready for all contenders with the determination of not letting the title go.
Islam Makhachev likely to fight in Saudi Arabia in early 2024?
The UFC 300 fight card marks a monumental omission. It will not feature any Islamic fighters, as the event coincides with the Islamic month of Ramadan; this was rumored to include Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev later divulged his aspirations to remain active and fight until that period. CEO Dana White had also instigated scheduling the Las Vegas Sphere to be an all-Mexican fight for “Cinco de Mayo” or the Mexican Independence Day. As such, there will likely be no Mexican fighters on the card for UFC 300.
Recently, TKO COO and media executive Mark Shapiro informed fans that a $20 million site slot in Saudi Arabia is available for March. If Makhachev were to be booked for a fight before Ramadan, it is highly likely to be in Saudi Arabia, with him being a fan favorite.
Makhachev has already informed the promotion that he aspires to fight thrice in 2024. Recently, ESPN’s Marc Raimondi and Dana White also said Saudi Arabia would host a UFC Fight Night on March 2.
Currently, the recently granted #1 pound-for-pound, Makhachev, has no fight booked. However, he remains an obvious choice to headline any Middle Eastern fight card. Charles Oliveira remains the expectant rival, along with others. Only time will tell when Makhachev fights again.
In case you missed it:
- WATCH: Khabib Nurmagomedov shares RARE video of late father taking down Islam Makhachev
- Dustin Poirier lays down requests to Dana White & Co for next fight after missing out on Islam Makhachev title fight
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Nidhin Shibu
(2537 Articles Published)