Current Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has been waiting to return to the Octagon for a long time now. The 32-year-old was last seen inside the Octagon at UFC 294 against Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev successfully defended his title against ‘Volk’ and is now preparing for his next fight. The Dagestani fighter recently made an appearance at the MMA Junkie show.
While speaking to Mike Bohn, Makhachev spoke at length on varied topics and even shared his opinion on the upcoming fight. However, during the conversation, he warned Ilia Topuria about a particular fighter. Let us find out what the champion had to say.
Islam Makhchev warns Ilia Topuria about Mosar Evloev
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27-year-old Ilia Topuria is the current featherweight champion of the UFC. ‘El Matador’ had shocked the world after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. The hard-hitting Spaniard since then has been the center of attraction for the fans. He is currently unbeaten and holds a record of 15-0-0 in his career. However, according to Islam Makhachev, Mosar Evloev can beat ‘El Matador’. Evloev currently holds a perfect record of 18-0-0 and is a growing name in the featherweight division.
While speaking to Mike Bohn, the Dagestani fighter said, “Yeah, but can you imagine if Gaethje lose. Okay, if Gaethje lose he lose everything his chance and I don’t know when he’s going to and when he going to fight for the title again. And if Holloway lose who will fight with Topuria. It’s gonna be a good fight Topuria vs Holloway. But we have Mosar there but I don’t know Dana don’t want to put him against Topuria because I think Mosar can beat him. But if they put me versus Gaethje and Holloway Topuria, it’s good I think for the UFC, for the both division, but right now in my opinion it’s a useless fight.”
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Topuria has his eyes set on the lightweight title and has shown his interest in fighting Islam Makhachev next. However, it seems that the champion is unfazed by the call-out and is focused on the next fight. As the 32-year-old waits for his upcoming fight, he shared some words of advice for Michael Chandler.
Islam Makhachev wants Michael Chandler to focus on a new opponent
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Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor have been waiting to fight with each other for quite some time now. However, it now seems that the possible fight might never happen. Despite showing their interest in fighting each other the pair is yet to receive any date for the fight. Chandler ,37 is at the twilight of his career and Makhachev feels he should move on from ‘The Notorious’ one. The 32-year-old believes that ‘Iron’ should focus on other lightweight fighters and make some money before facing McGregor.
The Dagestani fighter said, “You know honestly I hope this happened but in this situation like honestly Chandler look very bad because like how many years he waiting for the for this fight? Every night he go to the bed and have dream ‘I will fight with Conor McGregor’. Man you’re not young, you have chance to to fight someone, make money and after you can fight with Conor again,” Chandler is #6 ranked lightweight in the UFC and is yet to win the title in the division. However, with age catching up it will be interesting to see whether he gets closer to the title .
Do you feel Islam Makhachev is right about Michael Chandler? Let us know in the comments below.
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