Makhachev’s head coach Javier Mendez recognised this in a recent interview whilst talking about another key area that Poirier may have an advantage in.
Javier Mendez Says He Isn’t Worried About Dustin Poirier’s Leg Kicks At UFC 302
When asked during an interview on the Weighing In podcast where he feels that Poirier holds any advantages in this fight, Mendez obviously mentioned Poirier’s boxing.
Another one of the challenger’s best weapons is his low calf kick which he then uses to set up his boxing combinations.
These were especially crucial in his previous two fights with Conor McGregor which really showed how Poirier is able to use these two main weapons in unison.
It’s something that Mendez and the coaches are very wary of but they’re not necessarily concerned about ahead of this fight.
The American Kickboxing Academy coach said that Makhachev isn’t an easy target for leg kicks, let alone the potential of him being able to secure a takedown if he catches Poirier off balance.
“Low calf kick is dangerous from him also, very very dangerous because he likes to throw it. But Islam is actually fairly adapt at low calf kicks so it’s not going to be as big a deal unless he catches a good one, which could happen. It could happen but Islam knows how to defend the low calf kick.”
The champ has been dominant in most of his fights aside from one setback that happened all the way back in 2015 in his second Octagon appearance.
In trying to land his own big, looping shot on Adriano Martins, Makhachev was caught by a powerful counter and dropped, with the referee stepping in to wave off the fight.
In an interview on mainevent for Fox Sports Australia, Poirier said that the lightweight champion is far better than he was nine years ago so he can’t expect Makhachev to make the same mistake twice.
“I think the Islam I’m fighting on Saturday night is a different guy than we sat in that time he lost. He was kind of fumbling and his weight was over his feet, he was running in kind of goofy and got hit with a good shot but definitely if he’s lunging in and covering space like that recklessly, I’ll throw check hooks all day.”
Dustin Poirier Says He Isn’t Interested In Fighting Conor McGregor Right Now
Poirier also spoke in the same interview about where he is at right now in regards to his rivalry with Conor McGregor.
“The Notorious” is set to return at UFC 303 and seemingly still has unfinished business to attend to with “The Diamond” after their third meeting ended in him suffering the injury that has kept him out for so long.
For Poirier, he’s happy to have moved on to being back in title contention and trying to realize his dream of becoming the world champion.
This is his main focus for now but you can’t help but feel that whilst the two men are still in the promotion, you can never say never.
“I’ve kind of moved past it and I’m fighting for the undisputed world title, that’s the pinnacle of the sport. Fighting Conor isn’t the pinnacle, being the undisputed world champion is the pinnacle so that’s what I’ve been focused on. But I do think he’s going to beat Chandler.”
Following his crowning against Charles Oliveira back in 2022, Makhachev put the belt on the line against the same foe twice in 2023, repelling the threat of then-featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski.
Their first clash in Perth, Australia, was a tight affair, with many even believing “Alexander the Great” did enough to deserve two-division glory. There was no debate, however, when it came to their rematch.
The champ closed out proceedings in the first round, flooring the Aussie with a vicious head kick before swarming with an onslaught of ground-and-pound for the knockout finish.
Ahead of Saturday’s event, the promotion has released the full Makhachev vs. Volkanovski rematch from UFC 294 on its official YouTube channel.
The Russian will be looking to deliver a similarly impactful performance when he takes to the cage inside the Prudential Center this weekend.
If he achieves that feat, Makhachev will have gotten past the first challenge to his reign to come from an established contender at 155 pounds. And from there, the likes of Arman Tsarukyan will be waiting in the wings.
For the first time since his title crowning in 2022, UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev will have Khabib Nurmagomedov’s guidance on fight night.
Makhachev was long touted as a sure-fire successor to his mentor upon “The Eagle’s” retirement from active competition following a third successful defense of the 155-pound gold back in 2020.
And the Dagestani completed the journey laid out for him by his coaches and teammates with Khabib close by, submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. That began the reign of Makhachev, but it also signaled the end of something.
Months later, as Makhachev prepared to meet a test from below in the form of Alexander Volkanovski, Khabib announced that he would be stepping back from cornering members of his team.
While he’s remained visible in some fight camps and has still lent a helping hand, the Russian legend has stayed true to his words and not appeared in a corner since.
“News, ‘Eagle’ is landed in Jersey City,” Makhachev told UFC cameras during fight week. “He’s gonna be in my corner. Honestly, I’m very happy because he’s one of the best corner (coaches), brother, friend.”
There are some, though, who predict that Khabib’s presence inside the Prudential Center on fight night will spur the underdog on and provide added motivation. Only time will tell…
It’s over for The Diamond 💎 Great career but time to hang it up! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
With Khabib in his corner, Islam’s attributes are easily multiplied by 100. Islam can end this fight any way he wants, Dustin still an all time great tho. #UFC302https://t.co/MvNL6mEwx1
My homies know I’ve been wanting Khabib back in Islams corner since last year… but the timing of this considering he’s fighting Dustin next has me like 🫨🫨🫨🫨🫨🫨🫨😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/iVKHWfaoBq
And since submitting Charles Oliveira to be crowned champ in Abu Dhabi, the Dagestani has enhanced his legacy and cemented his reign with a pair of successful defenses against now-former featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski.
Such a feat would no doubt only increase the comparisons between “The Eagle” and his title-holding protégé. But not everyone is waiting for Makhachev to surpass his mentor before branding him superior…
Bisping Compares Makhachev & Khabib: ‘Look At The KO Of Volkanovski…’
During the Preview Show for UFC 302 on TNT Sports’ YouTube channel, Bisping assessed Makhachev’s divisional rule to date and the champ’s ever-developing skillset.
Pointing to the Dagestani’s renowned grappling game and always-improving striking, which he used to finish Volkanovski in one round last October, “The Count” suggested that Makhachev’s overall ability has already cleared that of Khabib.
“Khabib came first and he’ll always be remembered for that, for what he did to the sport, how he represented Dagestan, and implemented that style. It took over the sport, let’s be honest,” Bisping said. “But his time has gone. It has passed… Islam is a new, improved version.
“Look at the head kick knockout of Alexander Volkanovski. He’s much, much smoother on the feet. His grappling’s just as good as Khabib’s, or it’s certainly up there,” Bisping continued. “He’s really moulding into this champion. He feels it. He walks and talks with a certain bravado and assurance that comes not from confidence or ego, it comes from knowing what he’s capable of.”
Makhachev will have the chance to further prove his talent in the main event of Saturday’s numbered event in Newark, where he’s tasked with defeating Poirier — a feat achieved by Khabib via submission back in 2019.
UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev fully intends on stalling Dustin Poirier’s ongoing title ambitions this weekend, but he hopes it won’t be the end of the road for his latest challenger.
Having returned to winning ways with an emphatic knockout of Benoît Saint Denis at UFC 299 this past March, some favorable results at UFC 300 last month paved the way for Poirier to receive a third shot at undisputed status.
By the sounds of things, “The Diamond” is expecting it to be his last opportunity — and potentially even his final fight overall, win or lose.
Makhachev Hopes Poirier Pours Cold Water On Retirement Talk
During a recent interview with NBC Sports, Makhachev acknowledged the recent remarks regarding retirement to come from Poirier ahead of their collision on Saturday night.
Makhachev appears to share that sentiment, but for a different reason. While plenty have simply suggested that Poirier should keep retirement thoughts to himself until post-fight, the Dagestani doesn’t want to see them reach the surface at all.
“He’s talking about (retirement), but I don’t want him (to) retire after this fight if I beat him,” Makhachev said. “This guy is dangerous. He can beat everybody. He’s number, like, top five in the world, you know? That’s why I don’t think it’s a good idea (to talk) about retiring, because he’s still a very dangerous guy. That’s why I’m preparing very hard for him.”
Fans will have to wait and see when it comes to Poirier’s future in the sport. For now, “The Diamond” will have his sole focus on upsetting the odds to bring Makhachev’s lightweight reign to an end.
Whether that would be followed by a defense or a departure from the sport remains to be seen.
Newark, we have arrived 😤#UFC302 fight week is HERE!
Makhachev was supposed to face Dariush in a potential No. 1 contender bout at UFC Vegas 49. This was before Dariush pulled out with an injury and Makhachev ended up facing the unranked Bobby Green, earning a quick TKO victory.
“Now, Dana say ‘Islam have to fight versus Dariush,’” Makhachev said. “I have no problem (fighting) him, but we have to fight for the title next. I don’t know who we have. Poirier? He lose many times. Chandler? Hooker? Tony Ferguson? RDA have four fights (with) two wins. And Gillespie, he (fought) one time (in) two years. Who (will) fight for the title?”
Makhachev has won 10 straight and seemed on the verge of a title shot before allegedly turning down a fight with dos Anjos on short notice at UFC 272. Despite White’s mandate that Makhachev has to face Dariush next before a potential title shot, Makhachev has no plans to comply.
“I’m gonna take this belt and fight (Dariush). No problem.”
Makhachev is still expecting to fight the winner of Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje in November in Abu Dhabi. White has hinted at the UFC’s potential return to Fight Island later this year.
UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev is not a fan of Tim Elliott’s “dirty” approach to his fight against Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC 272.
Makhachev is arguably the best active Dagestan fighter following the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov. He’s on the verge of a lightweight title shot with a win later this year against potential opponent Beneil Dariush.
Makhachev sat cageside to watch most of the UFC 272 event but also helped corner a few of his teammates. One of them was Ulanbekov, who faced a tough flyweight matchup against the veteran Elliott.
Elliott put on arguably one of the best performances of his career against Ulanbekov, but not without controversy. He appeared to grab Elliott’s glove on multiple occasions during the fight and arguably landed an illegal knee as well on Ulanbekov.
Elliott would win the fight via a unanimous decision.
Makhachev took to Instagram to highlight some of the alleged missed fouls that Elliott committed during the fight against Ulanbekov.
“This fight clear example of so called. “dirty fighter,” Makhachev said. “To make so many intentional fouls in one fight, you don’t see that often.
Clearly intentional eye poke in the clinch. (That affected the whole fight after)
Twice knee to the grounded opponent
Grabbing a glove multiple times during exchanges
Very clearly Grabbing the glove during grappling (you can’t stick your fingers into opponent’s glove, it’s illegal)
But I’m more surprised with the referee that let him do everything he wanted to. Still I’m very proud with my brother Tagir’s performance and he accepted this unfair L.”
Makhachev wasn’t the only one who was upset with how the fight played out. Nurmagomedov was animated and furious while in Ulanbekov’s corner during the controversial moments.
Referee Chris Tognoni did briefly stop the fight to address an eye poke from Elliott but missed the alleged penalties that Makhachev discussed above.
Rafael dos Anjos is happy that Islam Makhachev must fight another bout before getting a title shot.
Rafael dos Anjos is coming off a big win this past weekend at UFC 272. Although his road to get there was a bit rocky, dos Anjos is now on a two-fight winning streak and making his way back up the rankings. His original opponent Rafael Fiziev was forced out of the bout last minute, and Renato Moicano stood in on short notice.
However, there was another man who dos Anjos was looking for. He was hoping Islam Makhachev would step in.
Makhachev last fought two weekends ago at UFC Vegas 49. He was toying with the idea of stepping on on a one-week turnaround to face dos Anjos, but in the end, he did not. Makhachev also lost his original opponent for his fight last minute but still walked away with the win.
Now, according to Dana White, it seems that Makhachev will have to fight one more time before receiving a title shot, much to dos Anjos’ satisfaction.
“That’s the price (Makhachev) pays for playing politics, playing these little games,” he told The MMA Hour via The Score. “He had his title shot secured, now he’s going to fight another one.”
Makhachev’s original opponent was Beneil Dariush. A win over him would have all but sealed a title shot. However, the win over Bobby Green may not hold as much weight. dos Anjos believes Makhachev’s offer to step in was not genuine and that he exposed this when he accepted Makhachev’s condition for the fight to take place at 170.
“I called his bluff,” he said. “I think that’s what it was. His team probably thought that I wouldn’t take this fight at 170. But you know what? I was training, I didn’t want to waste a whole fight camp, I hadn’t fought for 16 months. I just wanted to go there and fight someone.”
dos Anjos and Makhachev have been booked to fight one another on multiple occasions now. It seems that UFC 272 may have been the final chance to get it done, as they now appear to be on different courses.
Do you think Rafael dos Anjos and Islam Makhachev will fight each other one day?
Making the most of his opportunity to address some recent comments, UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev has refuted claims made by both Dana White and Conor McGregor.
Despite extending his win streak to 10 with a dominant performance over Bobby Green just two weeks ago, much of the current discussion about Makhachev surrounds his apparent decision to turn down a short-notice fight against longtime rival Rafael dos Anjos.
After the withdrawal of Rafael Fiziev early in UFC 272 fight week, the former UFC lightweight champion was after a new opponent. While Makhachev appeared willing to step in on social media, RDA’s compatriot Renato Moicano was later revealed to be the chosen one.
Shortly after, White claimed he’d gone to sleep assuming a deal had been agreed for the Dagestani to complete quick turnaround, only for him to discover the #3-ranked 155lber had turned it down.
Dana, you went to bed to early, you gotta stay up late to get things done 😂😂😂 https://t.co/JaoXVwxHga
Giving a different take, the 30-year-old claimed he’d called the UFC to try and make the fight happen, not the other way around. However, he cited an important condition not being met as the reason the fight fell through.
“Dana said I turned down this fight, but Monday morning, when I wake up, I just saw some news, like ‘Fiziev have COVID. The fight is canceled.’ And I’ve been in California on vacation,” said Makhachev. “And I wake up and call my manager. ‘Hey, Ali [Abdelaziz], I saw some news. Please call UFC and say I’m ready (to) take this fight.’
“And I ask about some condition, very small condition, nothing (too big). And (neither UFC nor Ali called me). I (woke) up and I called Ali, and I tell him, ‘Hey, come talk with the UFC, please. I want this fight,” Makhachev continued. “But the UFC (didn’t) do it. That’s why it (didn’t) happen, and that’s it. People think UFC call me and tried to make this fight, but I call UFC, and I ask about this fight.”
While Makhachev didn’t delve further into details about the mentioned stipulation, his initial callout on social media included a request for it to be a welterweight bout. Perhaps the UFC or dos Anjos’ desire for a 160-pound catchweight, as the eventual UFC 272 co-main was fought at, led to negotiations collapsing.
Makhachev: McGregor Will Never Agree To Fight Me
Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev
Elsewhere on his trail of calling out ‘fake news,’ Makhachev took aim at familiar foe McGregor. Given his friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov’s history with the Irishman, it’s not surprising to see the Dagestani going back and forth with McGregor as his rise to the top of the lightweight division continues.
“I think this is fake. For the fans, they make (something) interesting, but I think this fake. It’s gonna be hard for him to make 155 because he drunk all day, and a lot of people gonna smash him in this division,” asserted Makhachev. “He just gonna fight vs. Nate Diaz or some old people (to) make some money and that’s it. He’s never gonna be champion. He’s never gonna be (at championship level).”
Having seen a decline in form since his defeat to Khabib in 2018, Makhachev doesn’t believe he’d have an issue dispatching McGregor. For that reason, he says McGregor would “never” accept the fight.
“He just play game. He never gonna take this fight. He just play a little bit game. Because he knows (it’s) gonna be long night for him,” claimed Makhachev. “What Khabib did with him, I’m gonna—because he’s not same now. When he fight with Khabib, (he was) in good shape, not drunk too much. But now, he have to retire. This guy have money, everything. But if he wanna come back, let’s do it. I’ll be happy to smash him.”
Having failed to book a rematch between Khabib and McGregor, whose first bout ended with a memorable brawl, perhaps the UFC and White will look for what may be the next best thing: ‘The Next Khabib’ Makhachev vs. the “Notorious” megastar.
How do you think a fight between Islam Makhachev and Conor McGregor would play out?
UFC color commentator Joe Rogan believes that Dana White and his promotion may have decided to re-book Islam Makhachev’s fight with Beneil Dariush in order to lay the groundwork for Conor McGregor to return into a title bout.
At UFC Vegas 49, Makhachev added a 10th win to a lengthy win streak. After the withdrawal of Dariush, who suffered a broken fibula in training earlier in February, the Dagestani faced short-notice opponent Bobby Green, finishing him with ease in the first round.
Despite Green being unranked, many expected the win to secure Makhachev the spot immediately behind Justin Gaethje in the queue for a title shot. Judging by the #3-ranked contender and his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments, they seemed to share that sentiment.
Dana on Islam/RDA: "I thought we had it done. I went to bed one of the nights I thought it was done and woke up the next morning and [Makhachev] turned it down."
While the revelation came as a surprise to some, not least to fans of Makhachev, renowned UFC personality and podcast host Joe Rogan believes he’s identified the method behind the promotion’s decision.
Talk of Conor McGregor, who’s been out of action since breaking his leg last July, returning to the Octagon straight into a title fight has increased in recent weeks, largely after White appeared to leave the door open to the idea.
According to Rogan, the UFC likely re-booked Makhachev vs. Dariush in order to set up a championship opportunity for the Irishman when he makes his comeback.
“When Dana said that Makhachev now has to fight Beneil Dariush before he can fight for the title, I think that sets up a Conor fight (for the title). I think that’s probably why he really did it,” Rogan said on his podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience, this past week. “It’s kind of crazy.” (h/t MMA Fighting)
White Previously Slammed Those Criticizing A McGregor Title Shot
“Crazy” is perhaps the adjective used by a large portion of the MMA community. While some have suggested McGregor’s past achievements, immense drawing ability, and superstardom mean an immediate title fight, despite his two-fight skid, is justified, others have used it as another example of the rankings being wrongly discarded.
During an appearance on My Mom’s Basement with Robbie Fox, White responded to those who have criticized his willingness to have the former two-division champion return from injury straight into a title fight. He had some choice words for his detractors.
“The problem is, every time I do a f*cking interview, all anybody wants to ask is, ‘You think Conor McGregor will get a f*cking title shot?’ That’s all they f*cking ask,” said White. “So, I’m gonna say, ‘Well Conor McGregor isn’t anywhere near coming back yet, so I don’t know, let’s see what happens..’ It’s a dumb f*cking question for the media to ask, but the media asks dumb f*cking sh*t all day, every day. That’s what happens.
“And anybody who’s p*ssed off because Conor might f*cking get (a title shot), you’re a f*cking idiot too. If that p*sses you off, Jesus Christ. Calm down, buddy,” concluded White.
UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev is more convinced than ever to eventually move to welterweight after watching the UFC 272 main event.
Makhachev has been on a roll as of late with 10 straight victories. He most recently dismantled short-notice replacement Bobby Green in his second-career UFC main event at UFC Vegas 49.
Before the win over Green, Makhachev made quick work of top contenders such as Thiago Moisés and Dan Hooker.
Makhachev will more than likely have to face Beneil Dariush next, as UFC President Dana White recently hinted. However, he’s already got his eyes set not just on the lightweight title but also a chance to add his name to UFC lore.
“I’m gonna take this belt, defend like three, five times, and I’m gonna come to welterweight division,” Makhachev proclaimed.
UFC 272 featured a welterweight grudge match between top contenders Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal. Makhachev sat cageside to watch Covington earn a unanimous decision win over his former American Top Teammate and friend Masvidal.
Despite Covington’s impressive performance, Makhachev garnered more motivation to eventually challenge the top welterweights in the UFC after watching the UFC 272 main event.
Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington
“I saw this fight, I witnessed front row, when Masvidal fight versus Colby. Honestly, I really believe I can beat these guys one night, both these guys.
“Because Colby, he have just wrestling. I can beat him easy….his striking is very (slow) and other guy, Masvidal, I think he’s so old now, he just makes some money, he have maybe couple more fights and he gonna retire.”
Makhachev Doesn’t Expect Relationship With Usman To Be An Issue
Following his latest win over Green at UFC Vegas 49, Makhachev hinted at a move up to welterweight, a division in which Kamaru Usman currently reigns as champion.
While Makhachev and Usman have the same manager and seem to have a solid friendship, that hasn’t deterred Makhachev from pursuing multiple UFC belts. This is because Makhachev doesn’t expect Usman to still be competing if he gets the fight against Canelo Álvarez he’s been pushing for.
Makhachev revealed a recent conversation with Usman and the welterweight champion’s future as the titleholder.
“I told Usman. I told him, ‘Man, now you gonna beat Leon Edwards,” Makhachev said. “‘And after, you wanna fight vs. Canelo, make $100 million, and that’s it. Your motivation is finish.’ He say, ‘No, no, no, I’m gonna still compete.’
“But I don’t believe when somebody have $100 million, it’s not possible (to) wake up early morning (and stay hungry). It’s not possible.”
Usman recently underwent hand surgery and is expected to return later this year. He’s more than likely set to face Leon Edwards for his next title defense.
Makhachev was reportedly the UFC’s top target to replace Rafael Fiziev against Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 272. However, according to Dana White, he turned down the fight and White says Makhachev will now have to face Dariush before earning a title shot.
Makhachev has been referred to by many UFC fans as the heir apparent to Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is a mentor and coach of his. If Makhachev can earn the lightweight title, he could potentially accomplish something Nurmagomedov never did in earning multiple world titles after moving up a division.
How do you think Islam Makhachev would do at welterweight?
UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has looked back on the incident that led to his withdrawal from UFC Vegas 49.
On the February 26 card, Dariush was set to headline against Islam Makhachev in what was widely expected to serve as a title eliminator.
But with just over a week to go before the contest, it was announced that the Iranian-American had pulled out after suffering an injury in training, later confirmed to be a broken fibula.
Per Beneil Dariush (@beneildariush), the injury he suffered on Tuesday is a broken fibula bone. Still no timeframe for his recovery. Surgery may be necessary, but he is still weighing options on treatment.
Now almost a week beyond the event and some time after the injury, Dariush has detailed the moment his hopes of securing a title shot last month crumbled.
During an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, the 32-year-old revealed that a botched takedown caused his fibula to snap, admitting that the mistake that led to the painful moment was down to his own misjudgment.
“Woke up, feeling super good, weight was the best it had ever been. I was 171 in the morning, and I was like, ‘Man, this is incredible,’” Dariush recalled. “I went into practice. I’ve been feeling so good, I’ve been having people alternate. I’ve been making sure I have fresh guys on me all the time. That was basically what I was doing. I had a striker first, then I put a collegiate wrestler on me, only wrestling situations, and then I had one more guy after that. On my third guy, it was me who actually made the mistake.
“I grabbed my partner, I lifted him up, and as I was about to bring him down, my toe got stuck in the mat like never before,” Dariush continued. “When I brought him down, I brought him down over my knee and over my ankle, and the way my ankle twisted, I don’t even know, but it ended up snapping fibula.”
At that moment, Dariush knew this wasn’t an injury he’d be able to quickly overcome. While this was not the lightweight’s first dance when it comes to broken bones, he says the sound of the crack was worse than any he’d experienced before.
“I got a nice little crack in there… It’s just like, ‘Oh God, no, no, no, please no.’ I kinda had a feeling man, as soon as it happened,” said Dariush. “Because I haven’t heard a crack like that in my leg ever before. I’ve broken my chest before, and I remember the crack. And I’ve broken my foot and toes in my other legs, and I heard a crack. This one sounded worse than the previous. I knew something was up.”
Fortunately for Dariush, after seeing multiple physicians, it’s now been confirmed he will be able to avoid surgery and even return to training in as early as eight weeks. That will likely see him begin preparation for a re-booked title eliminator with Makhachev.
Per Beneil Dariush (@beneildariush), he has visited four physicians regarding his broken fibula. Three suggested physical therapy, one advised surgery. As of now, he is going with PT and trying to avoid surgery. Still no firm timeframe on his return, but no surgery is good news.
Islam Makhachev wants to test himself against the best.
Islam Makhachev has just won a main event fight in the UFC. He is on the fast track for a UFC title, but he is still looking to take on the best competition he can. He was briefly linked to a short-notice fight against Rafael dos Anjos, but that fight did not manifest. In the few days between his win over Bobby Green and offering to step in against dos Anjos, Makhachev and his team were filmed for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s YouYube channel.
In the most recent video, Makhachev is seen training with his team and helping his training partners get ready for their fights. At the end of the clip, Makhachev is wrestling with his manager, who is no match for him. He calls for some tougher competition. The name Jordan Burroughs is suggested, to which he laughs.
“Easy, Jordan Burroughs, if you want, let’s grapple brother, let’s grapple,” he said.
Jordan Burroughs Wants Makhachev To “Prove It”
Burroughs is an Olympic gold medalist wrestler and is also a five-time world champion. Makhachev and his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov are known for their ground game as well. They are both proficient in Sambo wrestling, and Makhachev is a World Combat Sambo Champion.
This is not the first time Makhachev has expressed interest in testing himself against Burroughs. He mentioned it once in an interview with Daniel Cormier. Burroughs caught wind of this and has accepted the invitation.
Makhachev does some of his training at AKA in California alongside some other great wrestlers like Cormier. If Burroughs does want to give it a try, he would apparently be welcome to hop in and do so.
Who do you think would win a grappling match between Jordan Burroughs and Islam Makhachev?
UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has provided an update on his injury and given a potential timeline for his return to the Octagon.
Dariush, a mainstay on MMA’s biggest stage since 2014, was finally set for his first chance to secure a title shot in the UFC last month. Having amassed a seven-fight win streak that includes victories over Diego Ferreira and Tony Ferguson, the Iranian-born American secured his place in a likely title eliminator opposite fellow top-five contender Islam Makhachev.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck 11 days before the February 26 card. While grappling in training, Dariush suffered a broken fibula after getting his toe caught in the mat during a takedown.
Next week’s Islam Makhachev vs. Beneil Dariush main event fight is off, sources say.
Dariush injured his ankle and was forced to withdraw. No word yet on if Makhachev will remain on the card and/or what’s the new Feb. 26 headliner.
Soon after, the serious nature of the injury came out, and Dariush appeared to be facing the possibility of surgery. However, the #4-ranked lightweight has now provided a positive update on his condition.
During a recent interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, the 32-year-old confirmed the injury is not as bad as initially feared, and will not require an operation. With that in mind, a feared four-month layoff from training has been reduced to just six to eight weeks.
“At first, they were talking four months just to start training again,” Dariush said. “So, when I heard six to eight weeks, I almost started crying.”
Now that a timeframe for his return to the gym is in place, Dariush is well-placed to provide an early guess on when fans will be able to see him enter the Octagon again. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt further told Okamoto that he’s targeting a return to action in the summer.
And after a recent revelation from UFC President Dana White, it appears Dariush’s next camp will see him preparing for a re-arranged clash with the #3-ranked Makhachev.
“Thank God, we’re going to reschedule. I feel bad for Islam. I’m sure he’s not happy about the situation, but it’s the ideal situation for me to get this fight rebooked. I’d like to have another 10 weeks for this camp, but if it’s shorter, it’s shorter. June, July, those are dates.” (h/t ESPN)
Dariush Was Looking At Gillespie/Tsarukyan Before Makhachev Revelation
An interesting development in the UFC lightweight division 👀@danawhite claims @MAKHACHEVMMA turned down the opportunity to fight RDA this weekend, so Makhachev will now fight Beneil Dariush. pic.twitter.com/HpRmsTC724
That certainly came as a surprise to Dariush, who told ESPN he was already scanning the lower-ranked names for a potential next foe.
“I was so bummed. At first, I thought it was gonna be, he’s gonna get the title shot,’” said Dariush. “I heard them saying, ‘Oh, Dana said he’s got the title shot,’ and things like that. Again, I went crashing into sadness, or whatever you want to call it. I was like, ‘Okay, I guess this isn’t in.’ And then I started looking at the top 10, I’m like, ‘Who am I gonna fight next? Who’s gonna be my next matchup?’
“I was looking at (Gregor) Gillespie, that was somebody I was looking at,” continued Dariush. “Who else was there… [Rafael Fiziev or Arman Tsarukyan?] I mean, Fiziev was supposed to fight Raf (dos Anjos) at the time. But yeah, Fiziev would’ve been another one. And then, man, Arman looked awesome (at UFC Vegas 49). I was really impressed with him. So, yeah, that would be another guy.”
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor went after Islam Makhachev on social media regarding talks of a fight between them.
McGregor is focused on a return to the Octagon later this year after a nasty leg break he suffered against Dustin Poirier last summer at UFC 264. Makhachev is coming off of his 10th straight win over short-notice replacement Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49, after he was originally supposed to face Beneil Dariush.
McGregor has a long history with Makhachev’s coach and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor fell to Nurmagomedov via fourth-round submission at UFC 229 after a series of personal attacks in the buildup.
Following his win over Green, Makhachev hinted at wanting a title shot next but also an “easy” fight against McGregor. UFC President Dana White most recently shut down the idea of Makhachev fighting for the title next.
“I’ll fight that shit stain makchavich, no sweat,” McGregor said. “Embarrassing g’n’p the other night IMO. Pitiful punching. And then bottles the RDA fight after mouthing of him lol. Embarrassing. Watch when I come back. Same as before. Anyone. Any weight. Anywhere. Game full of shit stains.”
“Full mount g’n’p and the guy bounces up not a scratch, huggin and kissing,” McGregor said. “Talkin bout thanks for the match etc. If that’s me there’s holes left in their head like they been smacked with a sock full of golf balls. Don’t even know where they are. Caramel butter skin strikes again!
“Am I the only one that sees this stuff for what it is or what’s the craic ? Not a scratch, man. Embarrassing!”
Makhachev had been rumored to be a short-notice opponent against Rafael dos Anjos before he allegedly turned the fight down. dos Anjos will now face Renato Moicano in the UFC 272 co-main event.
McGregor has previously said that he expects a title shot upon his MMA return, and a matchup with Makhachev could be an option as well. It seems that this could only be the beginning of a new rivalry between McGregor and Makhachev.
Do you think we’ll see Conor McGregor vs. Islam Makhachev in 2022?
UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev is waiting to wait as long as it takes for the next lightweight title shot in Abu Dhabi and not as a backup.
Makhachev has now won 10 in a row, with the latest coming against short-notice replacement Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49 last weekend. It didn’t take long for Makhachev to get a feel for Green’s gameplan and to finish the fight on the ground.
Makhachev has emerged as arguably the top lightweight contender who could face the winner of Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje. Oliveira and Gaethje are slated to meet in the main event of UFC 274 on May 7.
One element of conversation has been who could serve as the backup for the UFC 274 main event. During his UFC Vegas 49 post-fight press conference, Makhachev appeared to downplay the idea of serving as the backup and weighing in.
“For step-in, we have some guys like dos Anjos or Michael Chandler,” Makhachev said. “But (I deserve the title shot). I have 10-fight streak. And last 11 months, I’m training so hard. Like next week, I’m ready for fight, like, next pay-per-view show. But I want to fight in Abu Dhabi because I have (many friends) who stay outside because they cannot come (to the UFC APEX). I want to fight for the title in Abu Dhabi. All my friends can come and support me inside.”
Makhachev has long called for the title shot but wants to be slated as the certain challenger and not utilized as a backup plan. He’s looking to continue the legacy of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and reclaim the lightweight throne for Dagestan.
What is your prediction for Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje? How do you think Islam Makhachev would fare against both fighters?
UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev has responded after seemingly being snubbed of a title shot by Dana White.
Makhachev was in action last weekend at UFC Vegas 49. After the withdrawal of Beneil Dariush, the Dagestani was matched with short-notice opponent Bobby Green, whom he dispatched with ease inside the first round.
“I don’t care who you will put in front of me. I’ll smash this whole division”
Makhachev: Dana, You Went To Bed Too Early
Prior to White confirming that the title eliminator between Makhachev and Dariush will be arranged later in the year, it appeared the #3-ranked contender was preparing to jump in and face long-time rival dos Anjos.
RDA was left without an opponent at this weekend’s pay-per-view after the withdrawal of Rafael Fiziev. While Makhachev called the Brazilian out on Twitter for a fight at 170 pounds and seemed more than willing to enter the cage for the second time in two weeks. It’s now come to light the 30-year-old turned the short-notice bout down.
That came as a surprise to White, who told Barstool Sports’ Robbie Fox he’d gone to bed under the impression the deal was done. Responding to that, Makhachev reminded the UFC President that late nights are required if deals are to get across the line.
Dana, you went to bed to early, you gotta stay up late to get things done 😂😂😂 https://t.co/JaoXVwxHga
UFC President Dana White says lightweight contender Islam Makhachev will have to face Beneil Dariush before a title shot.
Makhachev most recently defeated Bobby Green in the main event of UFC Vegas 49 last weekend. Shortly after the fight, it was revealed that Rafael Fiziev had to pull out of his UFC 272 matchup with Rafael dos Anjos after testing positive for COVID-19.
The UFC scrambled to find a short-notice replacement to face Dos Anjos, with Makhachev raising his hand immediately on social media. However, he allegedly turned down the fight and the promotion ended up booking dos Anjos vs. Renato Moicano in the UFC 272 co-headliner.
Makhachev was originally supposed to face Dariush in the UFC Vegas 49 main event before Dariush suffered an injury in camp. During a recent interview with Barstool Sports, White appeared to shut down Makhachev getting a title shot next.
“Pretty close. I thought we had it done,” White said about Makhachev vs. Dos Anjos. “When I went to bed one of the nights, I thought it was done. Woke up the next morning and found out they turned it down. Islam [turned it down]. No clue [why].
Islam Makhachev, Credit: USA TODAY Sports
“He’s obviously doing very well. I love the Dariush fight. Since he turned down this fight, we’re going to remake the Dariush fight. We’ll get that fight going. Dying to see that fight. He gets through Dariush, very interesting.” (h/t MMA Fighting)
White previously said in a separate interview with TMZ that Dariush remains a factor in the lightweight division. After Makhachev called for the next title shot, it appears that the UFC plans to go in a different direction for his next Octagon appearance.
What is your reaction to Dana White’s plan for Islam Makhachev?
While Islam Makhachev is expecting to fight for gold when he next enters the Octagon, UFC President Dana White has reminded the Dagestani that he’s not without competition.
Since the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has quickly risen to fill the Russian void left at the top of the division. With dominant victories over Drew Dober, Thiago Moisés, and Dan Hooker in 2021, the 30-year-old extended his win streak to nine and entered 2022 inside the top five.
Makhachev’s first-round victory at UFC Vegas 49 saw him rise above Beneil Dariush on the lightweight ladder. The AKA product was initially scheduled to face the Iranian-American in the February 26 headliner, but a broken fibula forced the 32-year-old to withdraw.
While Makhachev has added another name to his record’s win column and now has his sights set on the belt, the UFC president doesn’t believe the title picture is as clear-cut as the Dagestani and his camp believe.
Now, in an interview with TMZ Sports, White has suggested nothing is set in stone and reminded Makhachev of the presence of Dariush, who is on an impressive win streak of his own.
“He’s (Makhachev) obviously in the discussion but let’s not forget Beneil,” reminded White. “Beneil is still around too, you know. He’s ranked number three [now four] in the world right now, so we’ll see what happens.” (h/t Sportskeeda)
White Still Wants To See Makhachev vs. Dariush
While there’s no timeframe known for Dariush’s injury, it was recently revealed that the #4-ranked contender will likely be able to avoid surgery on his damaged leg.
During an interview with Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole, White admitted he still wants to see the pair of elite 155lbers share the Octagon. If that doesn’t come to fruition and Makhachev does get the next shot, he expects Dariush to be close behind in the queue.
“I would still like to see Islam vs. Beneil. I’d still like to see that fight. Or, he fights the winner of Justin (Gaethje) and Charles (Oliveira), and Beneil is the first challenger to the title (after),” suggested White.
Per Beneil Dariush (@beneildariush), he has visited four physicians regarding his broken fibula. Three suggested physical therapy, one advised surgery. As of now, he is going with PT and trying to avoid surgery. Still no firm timeframe on his return, but no surgery is good news.
“I called his bluff and he folded. Let’s move on…” dos Anjos wrote.
Makhachev was supposed to face Beneil Dariush last weekend before Dariush pulled out with an injury. Instead, he defeated Bobby Green via first-round TKO in the UFC Vegas 49 main event.
There is no word on why Makhachev will not be facing dos Anjos at UFC 272, but it may have something to do with Makhachev already being widely considered to be the #1 contender for the winner of the upcoming Charles Oliveira/Justin Gaethje title fight.
Do you think we will ever see Islam Makhachev vs. Rafael dos Anjos?
UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson has denied the claim he turned down a short-notice fight against top-five contender Islam Makhachev.
In the main event of UFC Vegas 49 this past weekend, fans were set to witness a clash between Makhachev and fellow elite 155lber Beneil Dariush, with a shot at gold expected to be at stake.
Now, in a post on Twitter, “El Cucuy” has provided a different take, claiming he was more than willing to enter the cage at UFC Vegas 49, but never received a call to do so from the UFC.
We Were Offered To Fight @RdosAnjosMMA On Short Notice For #ufc272 We We’re Moar Than Ready To Step In And Save The Fight & Perform 📈 We Were Also Ready To Beat Fatheads Primo @MAKHACHEVMMA This Past Weekend But No Call Was Received, TUF🥇Times 💪😎 -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 # 🥇 pic.twitter.com/X43d6UGIZ2
“We Were Offered To Fight @RdosAnjosMMA On Short Notice For #ufc272 We We’re Moar Than Ready To Step In And Save The Fight & Perform ? We Were Also Ready To Beat Fatheads Primo @MAKHACHEVMMA This Past Weekend But No Call Was Received, TUF?Times ?? -CSO- ????? # ?”
Interestingly, Ferguson also revealed he’d been offered a short-notice clash with Rafael dos Anjos at this weekend’s UFC 272 pay-per-view. The Brazilian former champion was set to face Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event, but the Kyrgyzstani was forced out after testing positive for COVID-19 at the start of fight week.
With the search underway for a replacement, it appears Ferguson is an option. However, he’ll seemingly be battling Makhachev for a place on the card.
UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev may not have the lightweight throne yet, but he already has big ambitions for his next few fights.
Makhachev put on another grappling clinic against Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49. He was originally supposed to face Beneil Dariush but made quick work of the short-notice replacement Green.
Makhachev and his team have long called for the lightweight title shot amidst his 10-fight winning streak. After the win over Green, he appears set to get the winner of Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje later this year.
But Makhachev doesn’t just want to pursue supremacy in the lightweight division. He also intends on cementing himself as one of the pound-for-pound best in the world by earning championships at multiple weight classes.
“First, I have to take this belt, 155 (pounds),” Makhachev said. “We’ll see, why not (go for the welterweight title)? I think in future—(I’m) thinking about this. We have to see with my team and talk about this because I want some challenge, you know? (Having) two belts, I (would) like this moment.”
Makhachev and current UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman share the same manager, Ali Abdelaziz. It’s unclear how much longer Usman will fight in the Octagon, as he has previously hinted at eventually leaving the sport on top.
Depending on what the landscape looks like if and when Makhachev earns the lightweight belt, a move to welterweight may not be too far-fetched. This would allow him to become one of the few UFC fighters to earn titles in multiple divisions, which was once unprecedented in the sport.
How do you think Islam Makhachev would perform at welterweight?
UFC veteran Bobby Green now understands what makes Islam Makhachev so formidable after spending a few minutes of Octagon time with him.
Green stepped up on short notice to face Makhachev in the UFC Vegas 49 main event. He filled in for the injured Beneil Dariush just weeks after earning a decisive win over Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 271.
Makhachev has long been seen as the heir apparent to former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. He appears on the verge of a title shot following his first-round TKO finish of Green.
Fighters have seemed to have a different perspective on Makhachev’s skillset after spending time inside the cage with him. During his UFC Vegas 49 post-fight interview with ESPN’s Megan Olivi, Green explained how Makhachev can overwhelm his opposition.
“Yeah, I got it now,” Green said. “So what they do is, they do this little thing where he’s so patient, he’s so strong, and he just goes little, little, little, little, until he gets right where he wants to be, you know? And so, I tried to do some turning over, and as I did it, he went to mount, and he was so strong at holding his mount, so I was like; ‘interesting.’ I tried to turn, and I couldn’t move out of it, and I’m like ‘no one’s been that strong before.’ So, I gotta work on my weight training and get on my muscles to build that strength for this division.”
Green had won back-to-back fights before the loss to Makhachev. He earned a violent knockout of Al Iaquinta at UFC 268 before putting on a boxing clinic against Haqparast.
If Green’s comments are any indication, fighters need to develop a certain type of skill set to challenge a talent of Makhachev’s caliber.
Khabib Nurmagomedov says the UFC plans on having top lightweight contender Islam Makhachev fight for the belt at the end of 2022.
Makhachev put on another dominant performance against short-notice replacement Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49. He was originally supposed to face Beneil Dariush before Dariush withdrew from the bout due to an injury.
Makhachev entered UFC Vegas 49 as the fourth-ranked lightweight contender in the UFC and is assumingly the next man in line for the title shot. UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will face Justin Gaethje for his latest title defense later this year at UFC 274.
“A couple days ago, when we meet with Dana, we was talking about, ‘Hey, what’s next?’” Nurmagomedov said of Makhachev. “He’s like, ‘Hey, you have to fight with Bobby Green first. I’m like, ‘Dana, it’s not like—they’re not same level.’ Of course, we don’t underestimate him, but if Islam catch him, it’s finished, you know?
Islam Makhachev, Image Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
“And he (said) ‘I’m really focused on Islam fight winner of Charles [Oliveira] vs. Justin Gaethje, end of this year.’ Dana (said) they gonna make very big show in Abu Dhabi end of this year. And I think it is this place Islam gonna compete, fight for the title.”
Makhachev has been seen as the heir apparent to Nurmagomedov for years. He is on a 10-fight winning streak and has soared to the top of the lightweight division’s title picture.
Entering UFC Vegas 49, Makhachev had earned three-straight submission wins in 2021 over Thiago Moisés, Drew Dober, and Dan Hooker. A loss to Adriano Martins at UFC 192 is the lone blemish on his otherwise stellar record.
Makhachev, Nurmagomedov, and the other Dagestani fighters are seen as heroes in Abu Dhabi. If Makhachev earns a title shot on Fight Island, it would arguably make the biggest stage of his career that much bigger.
Do you think Islam Makhachev will earn the lightweight title in 2022?
