Is Justin Gaethje’s BMF Strap in Danger From Islam Makhachev? Will the Champ Take Aim At UFC’s Special Belt Right After Charles Oliveira Fight?

UFC’s biggest PPV of the year is just around the corner, and fans are already hyped with excitement. Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev faces Charles Oliveira in a rematch in UFC 294’s main event. Fans and pundits have their eyes set on this fight, as it is one of the most crucial bouts for the promotion’s lightweight division. Last year, at the same venue, The Etihad Arena, the current champ defeated Oliveira to capture the UFC belt.

If he manages to do the same again, fans will soon start wondering what’s next for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé. Recently, there have been conversations about Makhachev moving to the welterweight division to fight for double champ status. However, there is one more fighter that stands in the queue to fight for the lightweight title. It is none other than the BMF champion, Justin Gaethje.

Will Islam Makhachev fight Justin Gaethje for the BMF belt?

The MMA world thought Makhachev’s plan after UFC 294 would be to enter UFC’s welterweight division. Moreover, there have been numerous exchanges between Makhachev and the next potential welterweight champ Colby Covington. However, the Russian fighter’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz recently revealed what is next for Makhachev.

In an interview with The Schmo, Abdelaziz mentioned that his fighter will face Justin Gaethje after securing a win against ‘Do Bronx’ at UFC 294. “If Islam wins, he will fight Justin Gaethje next,” Abdelaziz said. According to the manager, both him and the UFC are interested in this fight.

Read More – Saddening News for Khabib and Islam Makhachev Fans as Brother Usman Nurmagomedov Shares Crucial Update About Charles Oliveira Fight at UFC 294- “ He’s Not…”

“This is what we want, this is what the UFC wants”, he said. Further, he praised ‘The Highlight’ for a phenomenal performance at UFC 291. “Justin Gaethje earned it, too. You don’t go out there and knock out Dustin Poirier like that and don’t get a title shot. I think Justin made a statement, and he earned his spot.” However, it is highly unlikely that the fight will have the BMF title on the line!

Islam Makhachev not interested in the BMF belt

A few months ago, Islam Makhachev appeared in an interview with his friend Daniel Cormier. In the conversation, the 31-year-old candidly talked about his opinions about the BMF belt. According to Makhachev, the custom BMF belt is nothing more than a gimmick, for fighters who can not be champions.

“BMF is for people who never can be champion,” he said. They give him some belt (and say), ‘Be happy, fight for BMF,” he said. Further, Makhachev also revealed that he is not interested in winning the BMF title. “Honestly, if somebody gave me this belt tomorrow, I don’t want this sh*t.”

While Islam Makhachev vs Justin Gaethje might happen in the future, the BMF title will probably not be on the line. What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Who Is Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Wife