Makhachev Reveals Zuffa Boxing Offer From Alalshikh

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has an open invitation to compete in Zuffa Boxing whenever he wants.

Makhachev told MMA Junkie that Saudi sports minister Turki Alalshikh approached him about a boxing match after the two met at a recent Zuffa Boxing card. "We had good talks about a boxing match, in Zuffa Boxing with Turki Alalshikh," Makhachev said. "He said 'When you're ready for boxing, just let me know, and we'll do something'. Why not? Box with some other fighters, why not?"

UFC Fighters Still Blocked From Zuffa Boxing Crossover

The Dagestani champion faces Ian Machado Garry for the welterweight strap at UFC 330 on Aug. 15. He moved up from lightweight last year to claim the 170-pound belt with a win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 and currently holds the promotion's top pound-for-pound ranking.

Makhachev said Alalshikh has floated the boxing proposition multiple times but that the final decision rests with UFC president Dana White. "Turki has asked me a few times, and I've just told him to ask Dana," he said. "I'm ready, any time." No UFC fighter has crossed over to Zuffa Boxing since the promotion launched, though former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley has also expressed interest in making the move.

Makhachev enters UFC 330 riding a nine-fight win streak that includes victories over Dustin Poirier and two-time opponent Alexander Volkanovski. A protege of retired lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, he has developed his striking in recent years to complement his elite wrestling base.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Islam Makhachev receives open Zuffa Boxing fight offer after ‘good talks’ with Turki Alalshikh