Manager Ali Abdelaziz recently hinted at Islam Makhachev’s future plans.
According to Abdelaziz, the UFC’s immediate plans for Makhachev do not include Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira or Ilia Topria, all of whom appear to be potential opponents for the reigning lightweight champion. It was. But Abdelaziz also acknowledged that the unpredictable nature of the sport means everything is uncertain.
“UFC has a completely different plan for Islam that does not include Oliveira, Arman and Iria,” Abdelziz wrote on social media. “But it’s an unpredictable sport and you never know what’s going to happen.”
The UFC has a completely different plan for Islam, which doesn’t include Oliveira, Arman, or Ilias. But it’s an unpredictable sport and you never know what’s going to happen.
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00)
January 20, 2025
Makhachev was originally scheduled to defend his lightweight strap against Tsarukyan in the main event of UFC 311 this past weekend. However, Tsarukyan was absent on the day of the weigh-in due to a lower back injury. “Ahal Karaquets” was replaced by Renato Carneiro, who was scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush on the same card. Makhachev applied a bravo choke to the Brazilian in the opening minutes.
Darish was paid his full fight money for missing out on the booking, but the Assyrian-American has since called out Dustin Poirier. Abdelaziz, who is also Dariush’s manager, insists ‘Benny’ could have another shot at the title if he beats Poirier in a potential matchup. Abdelaziz also believes fellow fighter Justin Gaethje has a chance to win gold with a win over Dan Hooker at UFC 313 on March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. .
“if [Gaethje] If he beats Hooker, he could easily be next,” he wrote. “if
[Dariush] If he beats Poirier, he could be next in line. These are: [two]
It’s a new name that Islam hasn’t fought yet. ”
if @Justin_Gaethje
If he beats Hooker, he could easily become the next guy. if @beneildariush
If he beats Poirier, he could be next in line. These will be two new names with which Islam has not yet fought.
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00)
January 20, 2025
Topria has been calling out Makhachev, but the lightweight champion doesn’t seem to have much interest in this matchup since his second belt isn’t on the line. Meanwhile, Dana White has made it clear that Tsarukyan does not have a chance at another lightweight title shot.
