Islam Makhachev’s manager has hinted that the lightweight champion’s next fight could be one of the most high-profile matchups in MMA history.
The UFC welterweight titleholder had been linked to a clash with Ian Machado Garry, who was thought to be in line for his first defence at 170 pounds.
But the manager Ali Abdelaziz has poured cold water on those rumours, insisting that ‘The Future’ is not in the frame for Makhachev’s next bout.
Ali Abdelaziz: UFC building huge bout for Islam Makhachev
Machado Garry took to social media on Monday morning, claiming that the Dagestani star was stalling their potential matchup.
The welterweight contender posted on Instagram: “I’m ready… He needs more time. Imagine being the number one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet and needing MORE time.”
Later in the day, Abdelaziz responded with an update, posting on X that a fight between Makhachev and Garry is not happening next, suggesting something bigger is in the works.
“This is, I can tell you, the UFC is working on a big fight for Islam Makhachev, and Ian’s name is not involved.
“Much bigger. One of the biggest fights in the UFC right now they can make. Stay tuned,” he concluded.
What could be next for Islam Makhachev?
Makhachev against Ilia Topuria could be the biggest fight on the table next year.
The Spaniard is expected to take on Justin Gaethje in a unification bout this summer.
Abdelaziz, without mentioning any names, appears to be hinting that Topuria could bypass that matchup to face Makhachev instead.
It would be surprising if anyone else in the welterweight top 15 is seen as a ‘much bigger’ star than Machado Garry right now.
The UFC might entertain outside-the-box matchups with Conor McGregor or Khamzat Chimaev, but those seem unlikely.
Meanwhile, ‘El Matador’ has been open about moving to 170 lbs for a potential headline fight with Makhachev.
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