Islam Makhachev News
Colby Covington warns Islam Makhachev against moving up to welterweight: “Keep acting like you wanna come up to Daddy's division”
Harry Kettle - July 21, 2023
Colby Covington has warned Islam Makhachev against making a potential move up to welterweight in the future. Everyone knows that Colby Covington likes to run his mouth. In addition to that, he also enjoys teasing other fighters, with the two usually going hand in hand.
Dana White announces main and co-main event of UFC 294 including Islam Makhachev's title defense
Cole Shelton - July 19, 2023
UFC president Dana White has announced the main and co-main event of UFC 294 which is set to take place on October 21 in Abu Dhabi. White announced on social media on Wednesday night that in the main event, Islam Makhachev will be looking to defend his lightweight title as he rematches Charles Oliveira. The two fought last October in Abu Dhabi and it was Makhachev winning by second-round submission to become the new UFC lightweight champion.
Daniel Cormier believes fans are going to be “very disappointed” with Islam Makhachev's next fight
Susan Cox - July 19, 2023
Daniel Cormier believes fans are going to be ‘very disappointed’ with Islam Makhachev’s next fight. Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev (24-1 MMA) last stepped in the Octagon in February of this year at UFC 284 where he met and defeated Alexander Volkanovski (26-2 MMA) via unanimous decision.
Islam Makhachev calls for welterweight title fight against Leon Edwards
Cole Shelton - July 18, 2023
Islam Makhachev is hoping to fight Leon Edwards next time out. Makhachev is the UFC’s reigning lightweight champ and is coming off a decision win over Alexander Volkanovski back in February. Since then, he has been campaigning to get a fight but nothing has come to fruition. As well, with Charles Oliveira saying he won’t be ready in October, there is no clear-cut next contender for Makhachev to defend his belt against. With that, Makhachev is looking to fight for the UFC’s welterweight title in October in Abu Dhabi.
Charles Oliveira says he will “not be ready” to fight Islam Makhachev at October’s UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi
Harry Kettle - July 10, 2023
Charles Oliveira has revealed that he will not be ready in time to take on Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 in October. Earlier this year, Charles Oliveira got back to winning ways in style. He finished Beneil Dariush in their title eliminator match-up, setting himself up for a rematch with Islam Makhachev. As many fans remember, Makhachev was able to dethrone ‘Do Bronx’ and capture the UFC lightweight championship last year.
Alex Volkanovski vows to defeat Islam Makhachev in potential UFC rematch: "I guarantee I get my hand raised"
Fernando Quiles - July 9, 2023
Alex Volkanovski believes there’s no doubt he will avenge his loss against UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev. Back in February, Volkanovski vs. Makhachev headlined UFC 284. It was Alex Volkanovski who was moving up in weight to challenge for the 155-pound gold. Outside of his one career loss back in 2015, Makhachev has looked mostly dominant. While he had a competitive bout against Arman Tsarukyan, Islam Makhachev’s toughest test came against Alex “The Great.”
Islam Makhachev responds to Dan Hooker’s claim that he used an IV prior to their fight at UFC 267
Harry Kettle - July 7, 2023
Islam Makhachev has laughed off claims from Dan Hooker that he used an IV prior to their UFC 267 showdown in October 2021. Back in late 2021, Dan Hooker opted to take on Islam Makhachev on short notice. In the end, the contest went how many were expecting, with Makhachev picking up a quick submission win. His road to immortality, of course, would eventually end in him capturing the UFC lightweight championship.
Arman Tsarukyan explains why he's the one to dethrone Islam Makhachev: "It’s going to be a tough fight"
Cole Shelton - June 26, 2023
Arman Tsarukyan believes he is going to be the one to dethrone UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Tsarukyan made his UFC debut on short notice at UFC St. Petersburg in July of 2019 against Makhachev. Tsarukyan entered the contest as a sizeable betting underdog, but was able to make the fight much closer than many expected. Makhachev ultimately got the unanimous decision win, but Arman proved he could hang with the division’s best.
Charles Oliveira's coach predicts KO win over Islam Makhachev in UFC title rematch
Fernando Quiles - June 20, 2023
Charles Oliveira’s team certainly isn’t lacking confidence. Charles Oliveira pulled off a scintillating first-round TKO finish over Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 earlier this month. This was a pivotal bout in the lightweight division. The quick finish for “do Bronx” may have earned him a rematch against Islam Makhachev. Back in October 2022, Makhachev took the previously vacant UFC Lightweight Championship via second-round submission over Oliveira.
Islam Makhachev describes previous training sessions with UFC heavyweight contender Sergei Pavlovich: “He has crazy strength”
Harry Kettle - June 20, 2023
Islam Makhachev has explained what it felt like to train with Sergei Pavlovich as he continues his rise in the UFC. There’s always been a certain intrigue around the UFC’s heavyweight division. The baddest men on the planet have often fought there, including the likes of Francis Ngannou, Cain Velasquez, Stipe Miocic, and more.
Islam Makhachev reveals UFC rejected an offer to return in the summer: "Everything turned upside down"
Josh Evanoff - June 19, 2023
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will have to wait until the promotion’s trip to Abu Dhabi to fight. The Russian has been out of action since his clash with Alexander Volkanovski in February. The two champions headlined UFC 284 and put on an instant classic. At the end of the five-round bout, it was Makhachev who retained the lightweight title by unanimous decision.
Islam Makhachev downplays Charles Oliveira's chances in rematch: "I don't think he can do anything"
Josh Evanoff - June 19, 2023
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev still doesn’t believe Charles Oliveira has a shot against him. ‘Do Bronx’ returned to the octagon earlier this month at UFC 289. There, the Brazilian faced Beneil Dariush, who was riding a lengthy winning streak. Leading into the event, both men were attempting to secure a title shot, as the bout was Charles Oliveira’s first since last October at UFC 280.
Islam Makhachev shares his thoughts on Jon Jones being ranked the #1 pound-for-pound fighter: “This is bullsh*t, brother”
Harry Kettle - June 15, 2023
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev isn’t happy about Jon Jones being the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the rankings. Following his win over Alexander Volkanovski, many believed Islam Makhachev was the new #1 P4P fighter in the world. However, because of how close the fight was, the UFC opted to keep Volkanovski at number one.
Alexander Volkanovski eyeing potential BMF title fight if Islam Makhachev is busy: "I can have three belts!"
Josh Evanoff - June 13, 2023
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski still wants to fight Islam Makhachev. ‘The Great’ has been out of action since his trip to lightweight in February. In the main event of UFC 284, Volkanovski faced Islam Makhachev in an instant classic. The two champions went back and forth for 25 minutes, with the lightweight champion retaining his title by unanimous decision.
Daniel Cormier weighs in on potential rematch between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev
Susan Cox - June 13, 2023
Daniel Cormier is weighing in on a potential rematch between Charles Oliveira and current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Oliveira (34-9 MMA) most recently defeated Beneil Dariush (22-5 MMA) via TKO at 4:10 of round 1. It all took place at UFC 289 last Saturday, June 10th, at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev says the BMF title is for bums
Cole Shelton - June 12, 2023
Islam Makhachev has taken aim at the BMF belt. Makhachev is the current UFC lightweight champion, but in the main event of UFC 291, two of the top 155lbs contenders in Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje are set to collide for the BMF belt. Many fans have mixed feelings on the belt and Makhachev says the BMF belt is for bums.
UFC champion Islam Makhachev will be making appearance on an upcoming episode of TUF 31
Susan Cox - May 31, 2023
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will be making an appearance on an upcoming episode of TUF 31. The Ultimate Fighter premiered last night, Tuesday, May 30th on ESPN.
Islam Makhachev reacts after the UFC books Dustin Poirier vs Justin Gaethje 2 for the BMF title
Susan Cox - May 17, 2023
Islam Makhachev is reacting after the UFC booked Dustin Poirier vs Justin Gaethje 2 for the BMF title. UFC President, Dana White, announced yesterday, May 16th that the lightweight five-round bout will be the headliner of UFC 291 which will take place on Saturday, July 29 at the Vivint Arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah.