Undisputed light-weight champion, Islam Makhachev has been extensively backed to tackle former featherweight titleholder, Ilia Topuria this summer season, nonetheless, in accordance with his supervisor, Ali Abdelaziz, a pairing with stablemate, Justin Gaethje is a way more “thrilling” pairing.
Makhachev, the present undisputed light-weight kingpin, additionally sits atop the promotion’s pound-for-pound pile.
Headlining UFC 311 at the start of the 12 months, Russian finisher, Makhachev landed his fourth profitable protection of the divisional crown — submitting short-notice foe, Renato Moicano with a gap spherical D’Arce choke.
And simply two months later, former interim champion, Gaethje returned to winning-ways in spectacular style, delivering a short-notice resolution win over placing expertise, Rafael Fiziev within the pair’s rematch conflict at UFC 313.
Linked with an Worldwide Combat Week return reverse Topuria subsequent — in a headliner on the UFC 317 card, Makhachev has remained tight-lipped on his quick future within the division. 4
Islam Makhachev urged to battle Justin Gaethje subsequent
And amid hyperlinks to the pairing, in addition to a showdown with former-foe, Charles Oliveira, Makhachev’s long-time supervisor, Abdelaziz has backed his fellow Dominance MMA consumer, Gaethje to battle for the championship subsequent.
“Final week was unbelievably thrilling fights, however that is totally different degree of pleasure,” Abdelaziz posted on X, accompanied by an image of Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje.
And himself focusing on a title battle with Islam Makhachev, Arizona fan-favorite, Gaethje admitted he was chasing yet another shot on the undisputed light-weight crown in his subsequent outing within the Octagon.
“I’m able to battle, I’m able to battle in June,” Justin Gaethje instructed The Schmo. “I don’t know, I believe (Islam) Makhachev stated he needs to battle in June. I’m hoping I get that decision sooner relatively than later so I can… I’m clearly working, but it surely’s been a loopy experience. I’m not at the start of the journey. It’s in the direction of the tip.
