Manager Ali Abdelaziz recently hinted at Islam
Makhachev’s future plans.

Advertisement

According to Abdelaziz, the
UFC’s immediate plans for Makhachev don’t include Arman
Tsarukyan, Charles
Oliveira or Ilia
Topuria — all of whom seemed to be potential opponents for the
reigning lightweight champion. However, Abdelaziz also admitted
that the unpredictable nature of the sport leaves everything
uncertain.

“The UFC has a completely different plan for Islam which doesn’t
include Oliveira, Arman or Ilia,” Abdelziz wrote on social media.
“But it’s an unpredictable sport and you don’t know what could
happen.”

Makhachev was originally scheduled to defend his lightweight strap
against Tsarukyan in the main event at UFC 311
this past weekend. However, Tsarukyan pulled out on the day of the
weigh-ins, citing a back injury. “Ahalkalakets” was replaced by
Renato
Carneiro, who was supposed to fight Beneil
Dariush on the same card. Makhachev submitted the Brazilian
with a brabo choke in the opening stanza.

While Dariush was paid his entire fight purse for losing out on the
booking, the Assyrian-American has since called out Dustin
Poirier. Abdelaziz, who also manages Dariush, claims “Benny”
could have a chance at the next title shot if he beats Poirier in a
potential matchup. Abdelaziz also believes that another of his
fighters, Justin
Gaethje could get a gold bid if he emerges victorious against
Dan
Hooker at UFC 313
on March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“If [Gaethje] beats Hooker he can be easily next,” he wrote. “If
[Dariush] beats Poirier he can also be next. These would be [two] new names that Islam hasn’t fought yet.”

While Topuria has been calling Makhachev out, the lightweight champ
seemingly isn’t too interested, as the matchup doesn’t have a
second belt at stake for him. Meanwhile, Dana White has made clear
that Tsarukyan isn’t getting the next lightweight title shot.

IMAK ADMIN

By IMAK ADMIN

Internationaler Kampfkunst und Kampfsport Kleinanzeiger