Islam Makhachev seems able to return within the New 12 months.
That’s the phrase from Makhachev’s longtime teammate, pal and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov, who revealed plans for the UFC light-weight champion to subsequent defend his title in January in opposition to a nonetheless unnamed opponent.
“UFC supplied us a battle already, in January. We accepted it,” Nurmagomedov revealed throughout an look in Indonesia this previous weekend (video offered by Ushatayka).
Nurmagomedov didn’t point out any names, though it’s nearly actually going to be a rematch in opposition to No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan cemented himself as the following title challenger after he defeated former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 to increase his successful streak to 4 in a row. In his octagon debut again in 2019, Tsarukyan really confronted Makhachev and earned a Combat of the Night time bonus following a grueling three-round battle that resulted in Tsarukyan taking a unanimous determination loss.
Now Tsarukyan seeks revenge whereas making an attempt to develop into UFC champion for the primary time in his profession.
So far as that potential problem or anyone else coming for Makhachev’s title, Nurmagomedov acknowledged that his 32-year-old prodigy is at all times going to deliver the most effective out of any opponent due to what he represents.
“Islam is no longer solely champion however he’s pound-for-pound the most effective fighter on the earth right this moment,” Nurmagomedov stated.
Makhachev hasn’t tasted defeat since his second battle within the UFC — a shocking upset loss to Adriano Martins — and he’s now rattled off a exceptional 14 wins in a row together with victories over three former UFC champions and 4 fighters at present ranked among the many high 15 within the UFC’s light-weight division.
