Tag: Ali Abdelaziz

Khabib & Makhachev’s Manager Believes Islam Has More Tools

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makahchev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz believes the current top-five lightweight has more tools to utilize than “The Eagle” did. Khabib, who is widely regarded as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, retired from the sport following his victory over Justin Gaethje last October. In the UFC 254 main event, the […]

Continue Reading Khabib & Makhachev’s Manager Believes Islam Has More Tools at MMA News.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makahchev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz believes the current top-five lightweight has more tools to utilize than “The Eagle” did.

Khabib, who is widely regarded as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, retired from the sport following his victory over Justin Gaethje last October. In the UFC 254 main event, the Dagestani successfully defended his UFC lightweight gold by putting “The Highlight” to sleep with a second-round triangle choke.

Prior to calling an end to his unblemished 29-0 career in the cage, Khabib had also retained his title with submission victories over #1-ranked contender Dustin Poirier and former two-division champion Conor McGregor.

Since Khabib’s departure from active competition, one man has been hailed as the heir to the great Russian’s throne. That individual is the former champ’s friend and teammate Islam Makhachev. The 30-year-old boasts victories over Drew Dober and Thiago Moises in 2021. His victory over the Brazilian in the UFC Vegas 31 main event saw him climb into the lightweight top-five in July.

While many believe he can replicate Khabib’s championship success, Ali Abdelaziz, who manages both men, believes he could go further. During an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, the Dominance MMA CEO suggested Makhachev has more tools than “The Eagle” inside the Octagon.

“I’ve seen Islam, for the last seven years, training with Luke Rockhold, with DC [Daniel Cormier], and beating some of these guys. I’m talking about a lightweight division guy beating these guys. Skill level, I think if you compare Khabib and Islam, I think Islam’s got more tools, a lot more tools. And he’s the guy, like Kamaru [Usman], nobody wanted to fight Kamaru for a long time. Nobody wanted to fight Khabib for a long time… people don’t even want to mention his [Makhachev’s] name.”

Abdelaziz went on to describe what it’s like to train with Makhachev compared to with Khabib and UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman. According to the manager, the #5-ranked lightweight contender is the only one who didn’t let him breathe.

“He’s the last guy I want to train with. I hate training with him, and I train with some of the best guys. I’m not saying I’m anything good. But he’s the worst guy to train with. He beats your ass, pole to pole, minute to minute, second to second. Khabib will let you breath a little, Kamaru will let you breathe, this guy doesn’t let you breathe. He is one of the best competitors I ever trained with.”

Makhachev will have the chance to prove Abdelaziz right when he returns to the Octagon later this month. The Russian was initially set to face long-time rival Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 267. Following the Brazilian’s withdrawal due to injury, Dan Hooker has stepped up on short notice. The New Zealander accepted the Abu Dhabi clash just days out from his victory over Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 266 last month.

If Makhachev defeats “The Hangman,” he will have secured three triumphs this year and will certainly move a big step closer to the 155-pound gold. Beyond that, his quest to match Khabib’s legacy will continue.

Do you think Islam Makhachev can surpass Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy inside the Octagon?

Continue Reading Khabib & Makhachev’s Manager Believes Islam Has More Tools at MMA News.

Khabib & Makhachev’s Manager Believes Islam Has More Tools

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makahchev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz believes the current top-five lightweight has more tools to utilize than “The Eagle” did. Khabib, who is widely regarded as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, retired from the sport following his victory over Justin Gaethje last October. In the UFC 254 main event, the […]

Continue Reading Khabib & Makhachev’s Manager Believes Islam Has More Tools at MMA News.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makahchev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz believes the current top-five lightweight has more tools to utilize than “The Eagle” did.

Khabib, who is widely regarded as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, retired from the sport following his victory over Justin Gaethje last October. In the UFC 254 main event, the Dagestani successfully defended his UFC lightweight gold by putting “The Highlight” to sleep with a second-round triangle choke.

Prior to calling an end to his unblemished 29-0 career in the cage, Khabib had also retained his title with submission victories over #1-ranked contender Dustin Poirier and former two-division champion Conor McGregor.

Since Khabib’s departure from active competition, one man has been hailed as the heir to the great Russian’s throne. That individual is the former champ’s friend and teammate Islam Makhachev. The 30-year-old boasts victories over Drew Dober and Thiago Moises in 2021. His victory over the Brazilian in the UFC Vegas 31 main event saw him climb into the lightweight top-five in July.

While many believe he can replicate Khabib’s championship success, Ali Abdelaziz, who manages both men, believes he could go further. During an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, the Dominance MMA CEO suggested Makhachev has more tools than “The Eagle” inside the Octagon.

“I’ve seen Islam, for the last seven years, training with Luke Rockhold, with DC [Daniel Cormier], and beating some of these guys. I’m talking about a lightweight division guy beating these guys. Skill level, I think if you compare Khabib and Islam, I think Islam’s got more tools, a lot more tools. And he’s the guy, like Kamaru [Usman], nobody wanted to fight Kamaru for a long time. Nobody wanted to fight Khabib for a long time… people don’t even want to mention his [Makhachev’s] name.”

Abdelaziz went on to describe what it’s like to train with Makhachev compared to with Khabib and UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman. According to the manager, the #5-ranked lightweight contender is the only one who didn’t let him breathe.

“He’s the last guy I want to train with. I hate training with him, and I train with some of the best guys. I’m not saying I’m anything good. But he’s the worst guy to train with. He beats your ass, pole to pole, minute to minute, second to second. Khabib will let you breath a little, Kamaru will let you breathe, this guy doesn’t let you breathe. He is one of the best competitors I ever trained with.”

Makhachev will have the chance to prove Abdelaziz right when he returns to the Octagon later this month. The Russian was initially set to face long-time rival Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 267. Following the Brazilian’s withdrawal due to injury, Dan Hooker has stepped up on short notice. The New Zealander accepted the Abu Dhabi clash just days out from his victory over Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 266 last month.

If Makhachev defeats “The Hangman,” he will have secured three triumphs this year and will certainly move a big step closer to the 155-pound gold. Beyond that, his quest to match Khabib’s legacy will continue.

Do you think Islam Makhachev can surpass Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy inside the Octagon?

Continue Reading Khabib & Makhachev’s Manager Believes Islam Has More Tools at MMA News.

Manager: Diaz/Luque Likely Only Happens If Nate Re-Signs With UFC

Dominance MMA CEO Ali Abdelaziz believes a fight between Nate Diaz and Vicente Luque will only happen if the former signs a new deal with the UFC. Talk of a clash between Luque and Diaz has existed for most of 2021. Prior to last month, it had been the Brazilian pushing for a clash with […]

Continue Reading Manager: Diaz/Luque Likely Only Happens If Nate Re-Signs With UFC at MMA News.

Dominance MMA CEO Ali Abdelaziz believes a fight between Nate Diaz and Vicente Luque will only happen if the former signs a new deal with the UFC.

Talk of a clash between Luque and Diaz has existed for most of 2021. Prior to last month, it had been the Brazilian pushing for a clash with the Stockton native. He first called for the matchup towards the back end of last year following his knockout victory over Randy Brown.

With nothing materializing, “The Silent Assassin” took on former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley at UFC 260 in March. After just under four minutes of Fight of the Night-worthy action, Luque submitted “The Chosen One” with a D’Arce choke.

Four months later, Luque took on fellow surging contender Michael Chiesa at UFC 265. Despite facing one of the best wrestlers in the division, the 29-year-old reversed position on the ground and secured yet another first-round D’Arce.

Following his latest victory, the #4-ranked welterweight once again had Diaz’s name on his lips. Praising the veteran’s entertaining style and durability, Luque pitched a 10-round fight against the 36-year-old. Diaz put those traits on full display when he was last in action in June. At UFC 263, he faced Leon Edwards in the UFC’s first non-title and non-main event five-round fight. Despite being outpointed throughout, Diaz nearly secured an incredible comeback courtesy of a last-minute surge.

Having suggested he was targeting a December return to the Octagon, it appeared the timelines of the Stockton star and Luque fitted nicely. Diaz even publicly accepted the Brazilian’s callout in September, suggesting an official booking wasn’t far away.

However, Diaz took to Twitter last week to provide a disappointing update on the matchup. The Californian said he hadn’t received a contract for the bout, believing there was likely an issue on Luque’s side. The Brazilian’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has now discussed the faltering booking. According to him, the UFC wants to ensure Diaz’s potential trilogy fight with Conor McGregor is protected first by re-signing Diaz, who has just one fight left on his contract.

“Listen, I believe Nate Diaz has one fight left on his contract,” Abdelaziz told MMA Fighting. “I like the fight. I think it’s a great fight. I think the UFC, it’s a business, they want to make money and I think Nate and Conor [McGregor] will make them so much money.

“I think the only way the UFC will agree to make this fight happen [is] if Nate re-signs with the UFC. But I don’t know if this is good for Nate to re-sign with the UFC.”

Abdelaziz also reiterated Luque’s desire to fight either Nate or Nick Diaz. However, he understands the UFC and believes a fight with the younger Diaz brother will only be possible should the 36-year-old agree a new deal with the promotion.

“But at the end of the day, I understand the business. I understand the UFC’s point but they know we want the fight, Nate wants the fight but at the end of the day, they hold the contract. I can push as much as I can but I don’t know what they want to do. Vicente, 100 percent will fight Nate or Nick [Diaz].”

Do you think Vicente Luque vs. Nate Diaz is the fight to make?

Continue Reading Manager: Diaz/Luque Likely Only Happens If Nate Re-Signs With UFC at MMA News.

Ali Abdelaziz: Conor McGregor Would Prefer Prison Over Fighting Islam Makhachev

Ali AbdelazizThe contentious relationship between Conor McGregor and Ali Abdelaziz hasn’t cooled enough at any time since the October 2018 fight between ‘Notorious’ and Khabib Nurmagomedov, whom Abdelaziz manages. Abdelaziz was asked by MMA Junkie about a potential fight between McGregor and Islam Makhachev. “At the end of the day, all these guys are gonna fight […]

Ali Abdelaziz

The contentious relationship between Conor McGregor and Ali Abdelaziz hasn’t cooled enough at any time since the October 2018 fight between ‘Notorious’ and Khabib Nurmagomedov, whom Abdelaziz manages.

Abdelaziz was asked by MMA Junkie about a potential fight between McGregor and Islam Makhachev.

“At the end of the day, all these guys are gonna fight each other… If Justin Gaethje wins, he’s gonna fight for the title… If Conor McGregor wanna get one more a**-whooping from the Dagestani mafia, we can give it to him, you know. Listen, at the the end of the day he’s still talking, he still insulted people, assaulted people. Still going to jail but listen, being locked in jail or being locked with Islam Makhachev?… I think he would choose jail,” Abdelaziz responded.

Makhachev is one the the brightest young stars in the sport, quickly ascending to the #5 ranking in the lightweight division and will be on display in a couple weeks at UFC 267 against Dan Hooker, who took the fight on short notice.

When asked about the state of the rivalry, Abdelaziz was adamant that this rivalry isn’t over and will continue for a long time:

“It’s not over, this [rivalry] will never be over. It can be on the street, in the hotel. Because some of the things he said and he never apologized for them. He insulted Khabib’s father, wife and family… But guess what, he’s irrelevant… Khabib took his soul and never gave it back, he’s a man living without a soul.” (Transcribed by Sportskeeda)

This rivalry obviously something personal for all involved and seems to be in a mode where there is no coming back. It will be interesting to see how this sentiment plays out.

How do you feel about the personal animosity between Conor McGregor and Ali Abdelaziz?

Manager: Cejudo Is Willing To Return Full Time After Volkanovski Fight

If Henry Cejudo does decide to make a comeback to MMA, his manager says that it would not be for a one-off. Essentially from the moment he decided to announce his retirement from the sport, Cejudo has been flirting with the idea of making a return. He has basically called out every champion across three […]

Continue Reading Manager: Cejudo Is Willing To Return Full Time After Volkanovski Fight at MMA News.

If Henry Cejudo does decide to make a comeback to MMA, his manager says that it would not be for a one-off.

Essentially from the moment he decided to announce his retirement from the sport, Cejudo has been flirting with the idea of making a return. He has basically called out every champion across three weight divisions, with the most recent one being against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Most people are brushing this off because the expectation is that the UFC would not want to go for a one-off title fight, only for Cejudo to retire again right after potentially winning the belt. However, Ali Abdelaziz, manager to Triple C, recently told Aaron Bronsteter that this was not Cejudo’s intention at all and that if he does fight for the featherweight title, win or lose he would continue to fight.

“If I thought Henry would beat Alexander and move on, I would never be involved. I value the relationship with the UFC and Dana and all these guys in the UFC, and if Henry is a man of his word, when I asked Henry last Thursday night, ‘If you win this title will you defend it?’ and he said, ‘Absolutely I will defend it, and if I lose I will go down to 135,’” Abdelaziz said.

“He’s in it, not just for one fight. He’s in it because he took some time off and the guy’s been competing since he was 12 years old, and he gave his body a little bit of time, and he’s back. He’s back and he wants to fight, but it needs to make sense.”

That being said, there is still a bit of a question as to where the motivation lies for Henry Cejudo to return, given the fact that he chose to retire at such a young age and while being a two-division champion. Abdelaziz says that it really comes down to him taking a break from competition, leaving him now feeling rejuvenated.

“He’s competed on such a high level since he was 12 years old, and never took a break. Sometimes it’s not always physically, it’s mentally, right? He wants to miss competition, and right now he’s in the gym, he’s helping coaching, and he just wants to compete,” Abdelaziz said.

“If anyone deserves an opportunity like this, it’s Henry Cejudo. The things he accomplished, nobody will ever accomplish in sports again.”

Time will tell if the UFC decides to put together the fight with Alexander Volkanovski. Even if that does not happen though, it would be exciting to see Henry Cejudo back in the Octagon.

You can view the clip from Abdelaziz’s interview with Aaron Bronsteter below.

Continue Reading Manager: Cejudo Is Willing To Return Full Time After Volkanovski Fight at MMA News.

Ali Abdelaziz Says Tony Ferguson Turned Down Islam Makhachev Fight

Ali Abdelaziz claims former lightweight interim titleholder Tony Ferguson turned down UFC 267 fight against Islam Makhachev. Makhachev lost his original opponent, Rafael dos Anjos last week due to an injury. It was the third time that the fight has fallen apart. Dan Hooker, fresh off his win at UFC 266, stepped in on short […]

Ali Abdelaziz claims former lightweight interim titleholder Tony Ferguson turned down UFC 267 fight against Islam Makhachev.

Makhachev lost his original opponent, Rafael dos Anjos last week due to an injury. It was the third time that the fight has fallen apart. Dan Hooker, fresh off his win at UFC 266, stepped in on short notice and will fight him later this month at UFC 267.

The history between Abdelaziz and Ferguson has been nasty, and it got hostile again. On Sunday,

Makhachev’s manager put out a tweet saying, “@TonyFergusonXT Duck season.” The tweet implies that Ferguson ducked Makhachev and passed on the fight, prompting Hooker to step in.

A few hours later, Ferguson replied to the manager.

Ahh The [Rat] You Must Be Referring To Your “Early Olympic” Days Of Not Showing Up. Tell Fathead @TeamKhabib I Still Owe Him An Ass Whoopin’ Hundred points symbol Check It Out @MAKHACHEVMMA Took The Easy Route, No Words. My Orders Were To Embarrass Your Squad On Fight Island- -CSO-,” Ferguson wrote.

Abdelaziz replied to Ferguson.

“UFC offered you to fight Islam October 29, and you went missing,” Abdelaziz wrote. “You talking about embarrassing my team your last two fights Justin and Beneil Play with you Smart move you didn’t fight Islam he will ruin you also go to sleep Tony God bless you, my friend.”

Abdelaziz manages both Justin Gaethje and Beneil Dariush, two of the three fighters that defeated Ferguson.

Ferguson got the last word in.

“We Were Right Here Working & Getting Ready Ninja. Your Drunk Off Ego Ali, What Was Real Reason For Your No Show At Olympics? Bet You Made The Same Call For

@TeamKhabib At UFC 209? Stick To Brainwashing Your Clients & Converting Them Ya Snitch. I’ll Out Work Your Dagi Boys Anyday,” Ferguson wrote.

Ferguson has not fought since losing a unanimous decision to Dariush at UFC 262 in May. As a result, Ferguson is on a three-fight losing streak, the first of his career.

“El Cucy’ has been teasing fight news for about a month now, but as of now, there has been no announcement.

Do you think Tony Ferguson ducked Islam Makhachev? Let us know!