Who can close out 2025 as UFC’s first-ever triple champion? Some have double champion Alex Pereira in their bid, going up to 265-pound limits. However, Team Khabib’s Ali Abdelaziz has made very bold statements about reigning UFC 155-pound champion Islam Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev circles back with Arman Tsarukyan this January in the UFC 311 PPV main event. Like many others, Ali Abdelaziz considers his client the real No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. Additionally, Abdelaziz doesn’t see much barrage in the way of the Dagestani’s reign to being a triple champion.
Arman is an absolute beast, he’s very tough – I think Arman will be a champion, but I don’t think it’s now…It’s not his time. He’s young. I don’t think any man from 155 pounds to 185 pounds can beat Islam Makhachev. It doesn’t exist. I believe 155, 170, 185, I think Islam can beat anybody at any given day.
Ali Abdelaziz to MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn
Ali Abdelaziz also disagrees with promotional CEO Dana White’s take on UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones as the pound-for-pound best. The Dominance MMA Management head says that “Bones” – while amazing – beat Ciryl Gane who can’t wrestle, and ‘grandpa’ Stipe Miocic. He promotes that Islam Makhachev did not drag to a split decision lane against Thiago Santos.
Makhachev submitted submissions specialist Charles Oliveira to win his 155-pound strap. He destroyed Alexander Volkanoski with a head kick KO and subsequent pounding. The champ even outboxed Dustin Poirier en route to a fifth-round D’Arce choke. Abdelaziz gives his prop to Tsarukyan but doesn’t see much stopping Makhachev down the block. Not even “Poatan” has a chance as per him.
Islam Makhachev can beat Alex Pereira, says manager
Islam Makhachev makes a fourth defense of the gold at UFC 311. His 14 fight winning streak has stepped one further even from legendary lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov. One more title defense makes him the most decorated lightweight champion in UFC history.
Islam Makhachev believed to be undefeated against top stars notwithstanding weight class (Source: X)The fight marks a rematch PPV billing after Makhachev narrowly defeated Tsarukyan by UD in April 2019. Outside of that (Tsarukyan’s debut), and some top names, Makhachev has not faced many drastic challenges to his game.
Already chalking out welterweight dreams, Ali Abdelaziz fully supports the purports of him becoming a UFC triple champion. He also considers his client an easy matchup for the light heavyweight champion.
This is what I believe in because what he’s shown me, the development, the improvement. I think Islam will beat Alex Pereira at 205, I do. I swear to Allah. I think Islam Makhachev will beat Alex Pereira. He’s just going to take him down and finish him, submit him. Alex Pereira can knock out anybody on the planet if he touches you, but I think Islam Makhachev is this good. …Skill for skill, I think he’s one of the best fighters
Ali Abdelaziz further said
Pereira has had a unique year on the step with triple KOs in his belt. He made quick turnarounds for performances that made him a clear KOTY contender for ’24. However, he thinks Makhachev’s resume and skill-to-skill display far outstretches him. Whether it is just promotion or saying outrageous things to create viral moment, one cannot be sure whenever Abdelaziz starts to get into the hypotheticals.
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