Makhachev Reveals Plans; Happy To Fight Max Holloway – ‘If Max Wants, Let’s Do It’
Islam Makhachev opened up on his plans as he navigates this hand injury moving forward.
The UFC Lightweight Champion injured his hand after beating Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. It was the third successful defense of his belt which he picked up after beating Charles Oliveira. Naturally, the attention turned towards Islam’s next steps. Poirier called him out for a rematch, although that seems unlikely as Islam considers a move up to welterweight.
Makhachev’s Injury
Mackhachev was linked with a fight against Arman Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan defeated Oliveira at UFC 300, taking his record to nine wins out of his last 11 fights. However, the UFC fighter has been suspended for nine months. During his walkout for UFC 300, Tsarukyan lashed out at a fan, causing the UFC to act. Makhachev’s injury also disrupted those plans. He is pondering his next move, as he may require surgery.
“It’s good, it’s a small thing. It’s part of this sport. I have a small injury right now, I cut my hand ligament and we will see. The next 10 days, I have to wear this thing and the doctor will make a decision,” Makhachev said
Islam now ponders his next move. Max Holloway has appeared as a credible opponent. Blessed knocked out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 with a second left to go in the fight. The win earned him mass plaudits as he secured the BMF belt. He will now fight against UFC Featherweight Champion Illia Topuria after a fight was announced for UFC 308. Regardless of whether it is Holloway, the winner of that bout would have a massive fight.
Islam To Middleweight
Equally, Islam had planned on facing Leon Edwards. Edwards held the UFC Welterweight Title before his fight with Belal Muhammad at UFC 304. Belal came out victorious in a dominant unanimous decision win. That makes Islam less likely to take that fight since they are close friends. But if he aspires to face the best, Makhachev recognised he needed to challenge himself with another belt.
“Why not? Because I already beat Arman. If UFC puts [Tsarukyan] next, no problem, but it’s not an exciting match for me. I need some new name, new challenger. I already beat Arman. If Max wants, let’s do it. I don’t need [the BMF] belt, but Max is a good name, a big name, and it’s going to be a crazy fight for the fans.
“Belal didn’t give him any chance. mash him everywhere. He make us nervous a little bit with a couple of positions, but now Belal is the champion. This guy broke my plans to be double champion. But I am really happy for him and happy for his country. He deserves it,” Islam added
Makhachev is regarded as one of the best P4P fighters out there. He has consistently put in big performances, beating Alexander Volkanovski, Poirier, and Oliveria in recent fights. While fans are desperate to see him in action again, it is vital that he allows his body to heal.
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