Makhachev Open To Zuffa Boxing Crossover

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev confirmed he met with Turki Alalshikh about a potential boxing crossover during a visit to Zuffa Boxing 09 in New York last month.

Makhachev, who defends his title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15, told MMA Junkie he had productive conversations with Alalshikh and other Zuffa Boxing executives while attending the card headlined by Edgar Berlanga's stoppage of Steven Butler. The 34-year-old fighter, accompanied by his manager Ali Abdelaziz, said the Saudi advisor made a direct pitch.

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What Makhachev Said About Boxing Plans

"We had good talks about a boxing match in Zuffa Boxing. We spoke with Turki Alalshikh," Makhachev said, per MMA Junkie. "[Alalshikh] said, 'When you're ready for boxing, just let me know, and we'll do something.' Yeah, why not? Box with some other fighters, why not? Turki asked me a couple of times, 'Are you ready for boxing?' I just told him, 'You're sitting with Dana White. Just ask him. I'm ready anytime.'"

The comments place Makhachev alongside Conor McGregor, Alex Pereira, Ilia Topuria, Khamzat Chimaev, Arman Tsarukyan and Sean O'Malley in the group of UFC stars who have publicly expressed interest in competing under the Zuffa Boxing banner. Dana White runs both promotions but has kept fighters from crossing over, maintaining separation between the MMA and boxing operations.

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Makhachev built his 28-1 record on Sambo-based wrestling and ground control taught by his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. Boxing has never been central to his fighting style. Zuffa Boxing 10 takes place Saturday in Dublin with Aaron McKenna facing Etinosa Oliha for the vacant IBF middleweight title.

Source: ringmagazine.com