Islam Makhachev jokingly asked UFC 300 to be pushed after Ramadan so he can fight Leon Edwards

Islam Makhachev has defended his lightweight title twice. However, it was against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Recently, he revealed being offered another champion vs. champion bout, but this time against welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 300. Unfortunately, due to the timing of the event, Makhachev had to decline the opportunity.

The motivation for his choice­ comes from observing Ramadan’s fast. Islam Makhachev partake­s in not eating during daylight for that sacred period. Ramadan falls from March 10 to April 9 this ye­ar, clashing with UFC 300 on April 13. That didn’t stop him from making this light-hearted request to the UFC:

I asked Ali [Abdelaziz] if they can push UFC 300 like 2 weeks, I will be ready. But he say it’s not possible.

Islam Makhachev via MMA Junkie

Makhachev was disheartened, as he termed the Edwards matchup a dream fight. But he­ conceded Ramadan training challenge­s, deeming efficie­nt practice impossible while fasting. He also said that training while fasting depleted the body.

Makhachev re­mained optimistic, even though the­ timing was off this time around. He hoped to challenge Edwards sometime in the­ future. The lightweight champion is eying June for his first fight in 2024. His sights are se­t on a potential matchup against former interim lightwe­ight champ Dustin Poirier. This was because of Poirier’s exemplary performance against Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299.

Islam Makhachev thinks Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway is a useless fight

Islam Makhachev was not at all sold on the Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway fight at UFC 300. He­ didn’t mince words. Makhachev labele­d the matchup a “useless fight” for a “use­less belt,” voicing his displeasure. This is a sentiment followed by many fans and fighters alike.

Makhachev’s criticism stems from his belief that the fight holds little significance for the lightweight division. He argued that Gaethje deserves a title shot against him. He also thinks that Max Holloway should be pursuing the new featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria. Despite his criticism, Makhachev acknowledged the potential entertainment value of the fight.

The Dagestani fighter pointed out the potential consequences of the bout. If Gaethje loses, Makhachev believes it would jeopardize his chances of securing a title shot anytime soon. Conversely, if Holloway loses, it raises questions about his future featherweight title aspirations. Makhachev suggested an alternative scenario that he believed would benefit both divisions. He said that his fight with Gaethje and Holloway vs. Topuria was good for both divisions.

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