Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev shocks the MMA Community with Madison Square Garden ambition instead of headlining Abu Dhabi PPV event in 2024

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will not fight in Abu Dhabi as he lays out a three fight plan until 2025 on X.

Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev shocks the MMA Community with Madison Square Garden ambition instead of headlining Abu Dhabi PPV event in 2024

Islam Makhachev will not fight in Abu Dhabi ( Image via Imago )

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhavhev recently laid out his fight plans on X. This exciting announcement revealed the Dagestani champion’s future plans and his potential title defenses. Here is what happened:

Islam Makhachev has revealed a three-fight plan until 2025. The first opponent that the Dagestani champion wants to take on this June is Justin Gaethje. Taking to X, Islam wrote: 

June 8 UFC PPV vs Gaetje, November UFC MSG vs Olivera/Arman, February 2025 vs Anybody Inshallah.
Islam Makhachev via X
YouTube video

Islam Makhachev has fought three times in Abu Dhabi, and each time, he has won the fight. His most recent fights at the capital were against Charles Oliveira and a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski. Islam took on Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Islam Makhachev dominated the rounds and submitted Oliveira, ultimately becoming the new lightweight champion. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev took on Alexander Volkanovski again at UFC 294. Makhachev defeated Volkanovski in the first round itself. Makhachev knocked Volkanovski down with a brutal head kick and then finished the fight with strikes on the ground.

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However, this time, Islam Makhachev decided to skip Abu Dhabi and wished to take on a different grand arena. Ali Abdelaziz revealed that Islam Makhachev refused to fight in Q1 of 2024 because of fighting last October. Hence, June and November remain his preferred choices. Makhachev has set his eyes on Madison Square Garden for 2024

Fans react to Islam Makhachev’s three-fight plan on X

Islam Makhachev’s plans for his future bouts caught the attention of fans on social media. Fans flocked to the comment section to share their reactions to the announcement. Here are some of the reactions from X:

Recent footage of Islam Makhachev in the moutains surfaces
Recent footage of Islam Makhachev in the moutains surfaces (Source: Twitter)

Makhachec’s message got a mixed reaction from the crowd. Some fans were hyped for the upcoming showdowns. Meanwhile, others booed Makhachev, criticizing him for being a boring champion and wishing he would lose his title. Makhachev is the 12th undisputed UFC lightweight champion. He boasts a professional record of 25 wins and one record loss. It will be interesting to see if 2024 goes as planned for the Dagestani champion.

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