Islam Makhachev has changed his plans after what happened at UFC 304. Makhachev had plans to take over the welterweight title belt with Leon Edwards as the reigning champion. However, now that compatriot Belal Muhammad took over the welterweight reigns, he has no plans of fighting for the 170 lbs title.
Islam Makhachev recently did a Q+A session ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi. The lightweight champion talked about his teammate’s performance at Muhammad vs. Edwards and how it has changed his plans to take over the welterweight division and become UFC double champion.
Belal didn’t give him any chance. Smash 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.
Islam Makhachev in a Q+A session ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi
However, the Dagestani said that he was “really happy for him” and “happy for his country” and that he deserved all of it. Muhammad had been pushing for a title fight against the Brit for a while now. They had previously clashed in 2021 when Edwards was not the champion but that came to an unsatisfactory end. He finally got his redemption at Manchester with the unanimous decision victory.
As for Makhachev, it is unclear which division he will target next. The featherweight division’s new champion Ilia Topuria had expressed interest in fighting the Dagestani, but then it would be him who would move weight classes. It will be interesting to see how Islam Makhachev goes about his goal of becoming UFC double champion.
Javier Mendez gives update on Islam Makhachev’s injury
Javier Mendez recently revealed an interesting update on Islam Makhachev’s next possible showdown. The Dagestani had recently incurred an injury and it looks like the champion is yet to get better. Fans noticed Makhachev wearing a brace on his right arm.
Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez recently did an interview with Helen Yee. During their conversation, Mendez addressed Makhachev’s injury and revealed that the champion would likely be out of the octagon for a while.
So probably late December, November or January. Depends on what the UFC and them can come up with, but he’s definitely not going to be ready to fight in October like people are hoping.
Javier Mendez to Helen Yee
Turns out Makhachev has suffered a ligament injury. This has barred him from training for any potential matchups. Mendez revealed that Makhachev had already consulted several doctors but it seems like the Russian would likely be unable to make it till UFC Abu Dhabi.
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