Tag: Ali Abdelaziz

Islam Makhachev vs. Justin Gaethje Dubbed as ‘The fight to make’ for the uFC lightweight championship

Islam MakhachevAli Abdelaziz, the manager of reigning lightweight world champion Islam Makhachev, believes Justin Gaethje should receive the next shot…

Islam Makhachev

Ali Abdelaziz, the manager of reigning lightweight world champion Islam Makhachev, believes Justin Gaethje should receive the next shot at the 155-pound crown.

Originally, Makahchev was slated to defend his title against Charles Oliveira in a rematch at UFC 294 in October, but ‘Do Bronx’ was forced to withdraw from the bout after sustaining a cut whilst training. The ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ went on to defend his title definitively against short-notice replacement Alexander Volkanovski at the event.

Many assumed that the UFC would simply rebook Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2 for some time in 2024, but if Abdelaziz gets his wish, the promotion will move on from that matchup for something a little more fresh.

“@MAKHACHEVMMA vs @Justin_Gaethje Next, this is the fight to make,” Abdelaziz wrote on X.

Abdelaziz followed that up with another post that served as a warning to the potential title challenger.

“@Justin_Gaethje you will never be the same after you fight him remember that.”

Islam Makhachev Agrees with his manager

The champ echoed similar sentiments in a recent interview, making it clear that he is no longer interested in any rematches.

“To be honest, I’ve already told [UFC] I’m not interested in rematches,” he said. “Because if you want to [be a champion] in a good way, you have to add new names. There is [Justin] Gaethje, who I would say deserved a fight. I think it would be more interesting to fight him.”

Of course, with Ali Abdelaziz representing both Islam Makhachev and Justin Gaethje, he stands to cash in no matter the outcome.

Ariel Helwani Reignites Rivalry with MMA Manager Ali Abdelaziz on Social Media: ‘At Least I Can Get On a Plane’

Ariel HelwaniIt’s safe to say there is no long lost between renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani and Dominance MMA…

Ariel Helwani

It’s safe to say there is no long lost between renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani and Dominance MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz.

Over the last couple of years, Helwani and Abdelaziz have traded jabs with one another on social media. Recently, Abdelaziz went after Helwani after The MMA Hour host claimed in a post on Saturday that UFC lightweight champion Islam Makahchev, who Abdelaziz represents, would headline UFC 297 in January against former 155-pound champion Charles Oliveira.

“The current plan – though not finalized just yet – is to have Islam Makhachev x Charles Oliveira 2 – headline UFC 297,” Helwani wrote on X. “That event, while not officially announced yet, is currently slated to Jan. 20 in Toronto. The original plan for that main was Volkanovski x Topuria, but now the plan is for that to be on the February PPV. Raquel Pennington x Mayra Bueno Silva for the vacant 135 title also scheduled for that January card, as reported yesterday.”

Abdelaziz quickly sought to debunk Ariel Helwani’s scoop writing, “Fake news @MAKHACHEVMMA fighting Charles Oliveira in January.”

He then followed that up with another post attacking Ariel Helwani head on. “Guys, please don’t listen to people can’t even get credentials to UFC events fake news bitch,” Abdelaziz added.

It didn’t take long for Ariel Helwani to snap back at Abdelaziz, nothing the embattled MMA manager’s travel ban issues.

In March, it was reported that Abdelaziz no longer allowed to travel outside of the United States without notifying authorities due to being dropped as an NYPD informant in the past. Born in Egypt, Abdelaziz has established himself as one of the sports most prominent managers with a client list that includes Kamaru Usman, Justin Gaethje, Kayla Harrison, and Islam Makhachev.

In 2002, Abdelaziz was imprisioned for document forgery. While locked up, he was recruited by the NYPD’s Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence to work undercover within a Virginia-based arm of a group called Muslims of America. Abdelaziz became one of agency’s highest-paid informants at the time, reportedly earning hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process.

Ariel Helwani Recounts Physical Altercation with Albedlaziz at UFC Event

This is far from the first time that Ariel Helwani and Ali Abdelaziz have traded jabs with one another. UFC 271 nearly saw the two combat sports personalities trade blows for real after walking by one another backstage. The initial altercation began when Helwani previously stated that Leon Edwards was more deserving of a shot at then-champion Kamaru Usman than Gilbert Burns. It was a statement that Abdelaziz took offense to as he also manages Burns.

“He said, ‘Leave my fighters name out of your f*ckin’ mouth,’” Helwani said of his physical encounter with Abdelaziz during an episode of The MMA Hour. “And I said— do you remember what I said? ‘And what? What are you gonna do about it?’ I had a backpack, I dropped it down, and I said, ‘Please come over here and tell me what you’re gonna do about it? And what?’ Like, there has to be an ‘and’, right?”

Abdelaziz has since banned his fighters from appearing on The MMA Hour, the lone exception being Kayla Harrison who has appeared on the show multiple times.

Ali Abdelaziz shuts down future title fight for Charles Oliveira after UFC 294 exit: ‘He missed his opportunity’

Ali Abdelaziz tells Charles Oliveira he won't fight for title again after UFC 294 missed your opportunityProminent mixed martial arts manager and representative will have his client, Islam Makhachev fight another client of his in the form of BMF championship holder, Justin Gaethje next if he gets his own way – claiming ex-titleholder, Charles Oliveira has “missed his opportunity”, after he withdrew from UFC 294 next weekend through injury. Slated to […]

Ali Abdelaziz tells Charles Oliveira he won't fight for title again after UFC 294 missed your opportunity

Prominent mixed martial arts manager and representative will have his client, Islam Makhachev fight another client of his in the form of BMF championship holder, Justin Gaethje next if he gets his own way – claiming ex-titleholder, Charles Oliveira has “missed his opportunity”, after he withdrew from UFC 294 next weekend through injury.

Slated to headline UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, UAE next weekend, former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira was forced from his championship rematch with the incumbent, Makhachev, after suffering a laceration on his eyebrow in the final round of sparring before jetting out to the Middle East. 

Remaining in the main event of UFC 294 at the Etihad Arena, Makhachev will take on reigning featherweight champion and pound-for-pound number one, Alexander Volkanovski on just 10 days’ notice, in a rematch of their February champion versus champion showdown in Perth, Australia.

Charles Oliveira told to forget about a future rematch with Islam Makhachev

And sharing his thoughts on Oliveira’s withdrawal from a title rematch with Makhachev due to injury, the above-mentioned, Abdelaziz claimed both his clients, Makhachev and Gaethje should vie for the championship next.

“This is Frankie Edgar 8 days before he fought Jose Aldo,” Ali Abdelaziz posted on his official X account, accompanied by pictures of Frankie Edgar dealing with lacerations. “Charles (Oliveira) missed his opportunity, Justin Gaethje is next for the title.” 

Earning his route back to a title rematch with Makhachev back in June, Oliveira turned in a dominant first round ground strikes TKO win over Kings MMA staple, Beneil Dariush at UFC 289, rebounding to the winner’s enclosure in a first career win in Canada to boot.

Previously clashing with American Kickboxing Academy staple, Makhachev back in October of last year in the main event of UFC 280, former champion, Oliveira saw his record-setting 12-fight winning run halted after dropping a second round arm-triangle submission loss. 

Would you like to see Charles Oliveira fight Islam Makhachev again?

Conor McGregor slams ‘Scum bucket’ MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz in deleted social media post

Conor McGregorIrish megastar Conor McGregor has once again taken a dig at MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz. McGregor has been very open regarding his disdain for the proprietor of Dominance MMA who manages some of the biggest names in the sport, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Kamaru Usman, Islam Makhachev, Kayla Harrison, and Henry Cejudo. McGregor capitalized on another opportunity […]

Conor McGregor

Irish megastar Conor McGregor has once again taken a dig at MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz.

McGregor has been very open regarding his disdain for the proprietor of Dominance MMA who manages some of the biggest names in the sport, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Kamaru Usman, Islam Makhachev, Kayla Harrison, and Henry Cejudo. McGregor capitalized on another opportunity to slam Abdelaziz on social media after the Egyptian confirmed to MMA journalist Damon Martin that his client, Derek Brunson, had parted ways with the UFC after more than a decade.

“A scum bucket,” McGregor wrote while reposting Martin’s original report. Of course, Conor McGregor has since deleted the comment, but we made sure to screenshot it for your convenience.

Screenshot 2023 09 15 11.06.16 AM

Conor McGregor’s Disdain for Abdelaziz Stems From His Rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov

Conor McGregor and Ali Abdelaziz have been at odds with one another dating back to 2018 when the Irishman stepped inside the Octagon with the MMA manager’s biggest star, Khabib Nurmagomedov. The two fighters went toe-to-toe at UFC 229 following an intense build-up that saw McGregor notoriously attack a bus holding multiple UFC fighters. McGregor believed ‘The Eagle’ to be on the bus and launched a dolly into one of the windows, injuring several fighters onboard, including Michael Chiesa.

In the end, Nurmagomedov and Abdelaziz got the last laugh as ‘The Eagle’ scored a fourth-round submission against McGregor. Unfortunately, the fight was far from done as chaos erupted seconds later with Nurmagomedov leaping the cage wall and going after McGregor’s cornermen.

The Dagestani was slapped with a nine-month suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission while Conor McGregor was handed a six-month suspension for his role in the post-fight scuffle.

More than five years later, there is still no love lost between McGregor and the Nurmagomedov camp.

Conor McGregor slams ‘Scum bucket’ MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz in deleted social media post

Conor McGregorIrish megastar Conor McGregor has once again taken a dig at MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz. McGregor has been very open regarding his disdain for the proprietor of Dominance MMA who manages some of the biggest names in the sport, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Kamaru Usman, Islam Makhachev, Kayla Harrison, and Henry Cejudo. McGregor capitalized on another opportunity […]

Conor McGregor

Irish megastar Conor McGregor has once again taken a dig at MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz.

McGregor has been very open regarding his disdain for the proprietor of Dominance MMA who manages some of the biggest names in the sport, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Kamaru Usman, Islam Makhachev, Kayla Harrison, and Henry Cejudo. McGregor capitalized on another opportunity to slam Abdelaziz on social media after the Egyptian confirmed to MMA journalist Damon Martin that his client, Derek Brunson, had parted ways with the UFC after more than a decade.

“A scum bucket,” McGregor wrote while reposting Martin’s original report. Of course, Conor McGregor has since deleted the comment, but we made sure to screenshot it for your convenience.

Screenshot 2023 09 15 11.06.16 AM

Conor McGregor’s Disdain for Abdelaziz Stems From His Rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov

Conor McGregor and Ali Abdelaziz have been at odds with one another dating back to 2018 when the Irishman stepped inside the Octagon with the MMA manager’s biggest star, Khabib Nurmagomedov. The two fighters went toe-to-toe at UFC 229 following an intense build-up that saw McGregor notoriously attack a bus holding multiple UFC fighters. McGregor believed ‘The Eagle’ to be on the bus and launched a dolly into one of the windows, injuring several fighters onboard, including Michael Chiesa.

In the end, Nurmagomedov and Abdelaziz got the last laugh as ‘The Eagle’ scored a fourth-round submission against McGregor. Unfortunately, the fight was far from done as chaos erupted seconds later with Nurmagomedov leaping the cage wall and going after McGregor’s cornermen.

The Dagestani was slapped with a nine-month suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission while Conor McGregor was handed a six-month suspension for his role in the post-fight scuffle.

More than five years later, there is still no love lost between McGregor and the Nurmagomedov camp.

Justin Gaethje’s manager calls bullsh*t on Conor McGregor’s BMF callout: ‘He’s an old, beat up dirty dog’

Justin GaethjeJustin Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz is calling bullsh*t on Conor McGregor’s callout of the newly crowned baddest motherf*cker in the game. UFC 291 saw ‘The Highlight’ live up to his moniker, scoring a brilliantly-timed second-round head kick KO against Dustin Poirier more than five years removed from their 2018 Fight of the Years. With Justin […]

Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz is calling bullsh*t on Conor McGregor’s callout of the newly crowned baddest motherf*cker in the game.

UFC 291 saw ‘The Highlight’ live up to his moniker, scoring a brilliantly-timed second-round head kick KO against Dustin Poirier more than five years removed from their 2018 Fight of the Years. With Justin Gaethje now the toast of the town, it’s no surprise that the first fighter to target him was none other than ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor. The Irishman immediately took aim at Gaethje, suggesting that he would make quick work of ‘The Highlight’ and prove to the world that he is the only man worthy of carrying the BMF title.

Of course, the immediate disrespect from McGregor did not sit well with Justin Gaethje or his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who tore into the former two-division titleholder during a recent interview.

“I believe Conor is full of sh*t,” Abdelaziz told MMA Fighting. “I believe he don’t want to fight Justin. He’s not even a fighter right now. He’s a retired fighter. He’s a retired troll with a lot of money. That’s it. He drinks all day, smokes weed, he does drugs and he can do whatever he wants but he’s not even a fighter but he wants to talk about fighters. He wants to talk about real killers. Conor McGregor is not a killer. He wants to talk about killers. Conor McGregor is not a fighter, he wants to talk about fighters. Conor McGregor is not a man. He wants to talk about men.

“He wants to be in the conversation but in reality, he’s not like none of these guys. These guys put the work in every day. They train, they sacrifice, they leave their families. What he does, he does everything wrong and you want be in the conversation. He missed it. He misses the limelight and the only way he can be in the limelight to speak about these gladiators. He’s not a gladiator anymore. He’s an old, beat up dirty dog. That’s what he is.”

Abdelaziz Believes Justin Gaethje vs. Conor McGregor Only Ends One Way

Abdelaziz believes that if Conor McGregor is truly willing to sign on the dotted line for a fight with Justin Gaethje, it’s only going to go one way.

“This is the scenario that will happen: T-Mobile Arena, sold out arena, 20,000 people. Justin Gaethje walk into that cage, Conor McGregor walk into that cage, Conor McGregor gets brutally hurt, injured, knocked out,” Abdelaziz said. “I think Justin Gaethje’s notorious for punishing people for disrespecting him in a fight. Like [Dan] Lauzon, like Michael Johnson, like [James] Vick, we know what happened to all these people.

“But the scenario that will happen, I promise you this, you’re going to see an ambulance going straight to the cage, picking up Conor McGregor straight to the hospital.”

Despite his lack of wins over the last several years, Conor McGregor is still an undeniable draw that will bring in big-time money for the promotion and his opponent. With that in mind, it’s hard to imagine Justin Gaethje and Abdelaziz turning down the fight, but at this point, ‘The Highlight’ doesn’t need the Irishman’s attention.

If Conor McGregor is not next for Justin Gaethje, it will be a UFC lightweight world title fight against the winner of October’s rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira. Either way, ‘The Highlight’ is in line for a big money fight whether the Irishman is involved or not.

“If this is what he wants, and somebody is willing to write a check and Trevor Wittman give me the greenlight, and the UFC wants it, maybe,” Abdelaziz said. “But I believe Justin Gaethje don’t need Conor McGregor. I believe Justin Gaethje his next fight will be for UFC gold. He earned it. I think he and Islam Makhachev is going to be one of the biggest fights of the year. I truly believe. I think it’s a story built into it. Both my clients, love both guys, both great men, both guys have a lot of honor and that’s what it’s all about in this sport.

“But if you want to go and somebody really get hurt, sign the contract. He don’t want to fight Justin Gaethje. He only fights people coming from losses. He only fights people he thinks he can beat. He thought he could beat Dustin Poirier. You see what Dustin Poirier did to him and you saw, respectfully, what Justin Gaethje did to Dustin Poirier. I’m telling you, Justin Gaethje’s not going to just go there and knock him out with one punch. He’s going to brutalize him. You will never see Conor McGregor again.”