Islam Makhachev is basking in the glory of a triumphant title defense against none other than the UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, at UFC 284. With his stunning victory, Makhachev had set his sights on claiming the throne of the pound-for-pound rankings, hoping to solidify his position as the undisputed king of the Octagon. However, much to his disappointment, fate had other plans in store for him.
Currently, without an opponent lined up, the UFC middleweight kingpin finds himself eagerly anticipated to make a grand entrance at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, scheduled for October. The anticipation surrounding Makhachev’s appearance is palpable, as fans and pundits alike eagerly speculate about who will have the chance of facing him in the hallowed Octagon.
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Recently, discussions have swirled about the possibility of Makhachev engaging in a fresh matchup, with notable names like Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje at the forefront. As the UFC light heavyweight stalwart, Anthony Smith, revealed, neither of these formidable fighters could possibly step up to challenge the middleweight champion in the upcoming October card. However, one fighter stands out from the rest, holding the key to a thrilling showdown.
Why can’t the winner of Poirier vs. Gaethje fight Islam Makhachev?
The panel of analysts recently convened to discuss the thrilling UFC 289 event. As they reflected on the riveting matches that unfolded in the Canada-based extravaganza, their conversation naturally gravitated towards Charles Oliveira‘s lightning-fast victory in the co-main event against Beneil Dariush.
With Oliveira’s remarkable triumph fresh in their minds, the analysts shifted their focus to Islam Makhachev, and the burning question of his next opponent. Anthony Smith, offering his insights, promptly declared that neither Dustin Poirier nor Justin Gaethje, the prospective winners of the next BMF title, would be suitable challengers for Makhachev following their rematch.
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Smith cogently reasoned, “They are likely not gonna be ready after their fight, no matter who wins.”
He elaborated further, “They’re gonna go out there and they are gonna do extreme damage to each other. Because they both are just savages… And they’re both gonna look absolutely awful for the first month, let alone fight in six or eight weeks or whatever it is. But, I think just by the numbers game, it probably is Charles Oliveira.”
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Both Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev have engaged in a war of words following the Brazilian’s recent triumph, reigniting hopes for a compelling rematch between the two fighters. Do you think Islam Makhachev should go for the Charles Oliveira rematch or have a new opponent altogether? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch this story: WATCH: Charles Oliveira Drops Tom Cruise’s Iconic Quote After Getting 19th Bonus at UFC 289
