Team Khabib claims Dana White could call Islam Makhachev to replace Sean O’Malley at UFC 299

Islam Makhachev's manager says the UFC champion is prepared to replace Sean O'Malley for UFC 299 if the UFC calls.

Team Khabib claims Dana White could call Islam Makhachev to replace Sean O’Malley at UFC 299

Sean O'Malley disses Islam Makhachev (Image via: IMAGO)

Islam Makhachev is reportedly ready to replace Sean O’Malley if the situation requires it. CEO of Dominance MMA Ali Abdelaziz recently gave an interview where he revealed the Dagestani champion’s upcoming plans for his next fight in 2024. Here is what happened:

Islam Makhachev‘s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, most recently talked with ESPN MMA. There, he claimed that Makhachev was ready even to replace Sean O’Malley as the headliner for UFC 299. This is what Ali Abdelaziz said: 

It is what it is, you know, he’s just gonna wait for Ramadan or maybe the UFC call tomorrow 'O’Malley is out, we need Islam. Maybe you can fight March 9.’ Islam is always training, always in shape, he’s a professional.
Ali Abdelaziz via ESPN
YouTube video

Abdelaziz said that Makhachev refused to fight in February because it was too soon after his last fight. He also claimed that the lightweight champion will not return until Ramadan. Islam Makhachev’s last fight was against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Islam defended the UFC lightweight title against Volkanovski in their highly anticipated rematch. Makhachev stopped Volkanovski in the first round itself with a brutal head kick.

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Meanwhile, the promotion has booked O’Malley to fight Marlon Vera. They will fight this March at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. This will be a much-anticipated rematch between the UFC bantamweight champion and the only fighter who beat him in the UFC. O’Malley and Vera faced each other back in 2020, and Vera emerged victorious.

Dana White on Islam Makhachev’s apparent injury

According to UFC CEO Dana White, Islam Makhachev will not fight until the summer of 2024 due to a recent injury. Dana White said Makhachev would face the winner of the upcoming matchup between Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan when he returns.

Dana White's disclosure that Islam Makhachev is injured has sparked a passionate response from fight fans
Dana White’s disclosure that Islam Makhachev is injured has sparked a passionate response from fight fans (via Imago)

However, UFC fans are suspicious of Dana White’s injury claims. A recent video of the UFC champion spotted Makhachev doing pull-ups back in Dagestan. White had announced the news of the injury. However, a few netizens on social media speculate it might be related to a steroid cycle, thus questioning the credibility of the UFC CEO’s statements.

Islam Makhachev has faced allegations and controversies related to performance-enhancing substances in the past. Makhachev once tested positive for a banned substance back in 2016. However, after the USADA investigation, Makhachev firmly denied any fault on his part.

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