Khabib Nurmagomedov has let the cat out of the bag on Islam Makhachev’s subsequent title protection.
Makhachev’s mentor, coach, and coaching companion mentioned the light-weight champion’s future in a brand new interview (supplied by Ushatayka), together with once we would possibly see Islam again within the cage. We haven’t seen the Dagestani fighter compete since UFC 302 in June the place he earned a fifth spherical submission win over Dustin Poirier. A hand damage saved him from a long-awaited bout at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, however now Khabib confirmed they count on to battle in January, probably at UFC 311.
“UFC supplied us a battle already, in January. We accepted it,” Nurmagomedov revealed. “UFC will announce very quickly the place it can happen and who shall be Islam’s opponent. I cannot make an announcement myself, however I can say that we’re centered on January.”
The most certainly opponent for Makhachev is Arman Tsarukyan, who was promised a title shot after beating Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. Slightly than preventing Islam two months later at UFC 302, Arman opted to attend a bit longer so he would have a full coaching camp. The 2 already fought as soon as earlier than with Tsarukyan being a short-notice substitute opponent — Makhachev took a dominating 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 determination over him again in 2019.
Makhachev hasn’t sounded too within the rematch, saying he’d choose new opponents aside from extra repeat opponents. Nurmagomedov echoed that sentiment.
“There shall be new challengers, new contenders for this title,” he stated. “The game is rising in a short time, there are plenty of new younger guys, there shall be good opponents for Islam. Islam is not solely a champion, however one of the best fighter pound-for-pound at the moment.”
Uh-oh, does Khabib understand choosing Islam over Jon Jones within the P4P dialogue makes him a ‘silly know-nothing’ within the eyes of UFC CEO Dana White?
We’ll hold you knowledgeable on when the UFC formally publicizes Islam Makhachev’s subsequent title protection and who he finally ends up dealing with. It might be some time, although. The promotion nonetheless hasn’t introduced a foremost occasion for UFC 310 in December, or a common schedule for the primary quarter of 2025.
