Tag: Islam Makhachev

Makhachev Politely Informs Dariush He Is A Stepping Stone To Title Shot

Islam Makhachev has politely let upcoming opponent Beneil Dariush know that he is being overlooked.

In two months, two of the best lightweights in the world will compete in what is currently expected to serve as a title-eliminator bout. With UFC li…

Beneil Dariush, Khabib Nurmagomedov & Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev has politely let upcoming opponent Beneil Dariush know that he is being overlooked.

In two months, two of the best lightweights in the world will compete in what is currently expected to serve as a title-eliminator bout. With UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira virtually a lock to defend against #1 contender Justin Gaethje next, the fight between Makhachev (#4) and Dariush (#3) seems to be a no-brainer for determining who will be next in line.

Makhachev got his wish when Oliveira submitted Dustin Poirier at UFC 269, as the Dagestani is eager to showcase his sambo skills against Oliveira’s masterful jiu-jitsu. In fact, he is so excited at the prospect of fighting Oliveira that he doesn’t seem to be giving any concern to the possibility of Dariush standing in his way. On the contrary, he believes Dariush is merely lying along the way.

“@beneildariush I’m sorry bro, but you are on my way.,” the polite Dagestani stated.

Dariush did not respond to this tweet, but he has already shared some of his own thoughts about the upcoming bout. And from the sounds of it, the 32-year-old is not short on confidence, either. In fact, the jiu-jitsu black belt is more than happy to give Makhachev the grappling-friendly matchup he’s after.

If Dariush winds up on the losing end of this matchup via finish, then Makhachev will receive a double-bonus if Khabib Nurmagomedov is to be believed. Dariush is unconcerned about such information, however, and has chalked up this claim from Makhachev’s mentor as being just a “drama show.”

The bout between Makhachev and Dariush goes down on February 26 and will serve as the five-round main event.

Do you believe Beneil Dariush is a mere footnote in Makhachev’s journey to the UFC lightweight championship?

Continue Reading Makhachev Politely Informs Dariush He Is A Stepping Stone To Title Shot at MMA News.

Islam Makhachev Gets His Wish In The UFC 269 Main Event

UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev’s hope for a matchup with Charles Oliveira is still alive following the champ’s win at UFC 269.

Makhachev paid close attention to Oliveira’s win over Dustin Poirier in the UFC 269 main event. After a rough …

Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira

UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev’s hope for a matchup with Charles Oliveira is still alive following the champ’s win at UFC 269.

Makhachev paid close attention to Oliveira’s win over Dustin Poirier in the UFC 269 main event. After a rough start to the fight, Oliveira found his groove with his grappling and would eventually earn the submission win.

Charles Oliveira
USA Today

Islam Makhachev has catapulted to the lightweight title picture after a run of dominant performances. His most recent win over Dan Hooker at UFC 267 was arguably the most impressive of his career.

Makhachev is mostly known for his Dagestan-style wrestling prowess in the Octagon, while Oliveira is known to have some of the most elite jiu-jitsu in UFC history. Leading up to UFC 269, Makhachev picked Poirier to beat Oliveira but was still hopeful for a grappling showcase against the defending champion.

“I have Dustin in favor tonight, but want Oliveira to be there when I’m fighting for the title. Sambo vs. Jiu-Jitsu,” Makhachev tweeted pre-UFC 269.

After Oliveira got the win, Makhachev congratulated the champion and teased a potential future matchup between the two lightweights.

“Congrats [Charles Oliveira] just hold in there for me,” Makhachev said.

Makhachev is likely just one win away from a lightweight title shot after winning nine in a row. He’s slated to face Beneil Dariush at a UFC Fight Night main event on Feb. 26.

Both Makhachev and Oliveira have managed to go on dominant runs through the lightweight division, making a fight between the two elite lightweights almost inevitable. While Oliveira is expected to face Justin Gaethje next, Makhachev is waiting in the wings for a shot at the belt.

Who do you think would win a fight between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira?

Continue Reading Islam Makhachev Gets His Wish In The UFC 269 Main Event at MMA News.

McGregor Again Mocks Dagestan Culture In Response To Makhachev

UFC lightweight contenders Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev are it again on Twitter, this time regarding McGregor’s planned title shot.

McGregor and Makhachev, to the surprise of no one, are not exactly the best of friends. McGregor has had argua…

Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev

UFC lightweight contenders Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev are it again on Twitter, this time regarding McGregor’s planned title shot.

McGregor and Makhachev, to the surprise of no one, are not exactly the best of friends. McGregor has had arguably one of the most intense beefs in UFC history with Makhachev’s teammate, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

But things turned up a notch in light of McGregor’s recent claims that he’s going to get an immediate title shot upon his Octagon return. He’s still recovering from a leg injury he suffered against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 and is planning a return bout for some time in 2022.

McGregor has called out lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in recent days, with the champion responding that he could be ready to go as soon as this weekend. Makhachev, who is arguably just one win away from a title shot in his own right, blasted McGregor for attempting to cut the line.

“Your fight is on February 30th,” Makhachev said.

In a since-deleted tweet, McGregor turned it up to 11 by once again accusing Makhachev’s home nation of Dagestan of promoting a culture of inbreeding.

@TheNotoriousMMA on Twitter (Screenshot)

Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev Could Be On Collision Course in 2022

McGregor remains adamant that he’s in the thick of things in the UFC lightweight title picture, despite losing back-to-back fights to Poirier. He is currently listed as the No. 9 UFC lightweight in the latest rankings.

Makhachev, at No. 4, is slated to face Beneil Dariush in a lightweight showcase in February. He has won nine fights in a row and is coming off of arguably the best performance of his career against Dan Hooker at UFC 267.

A UFC pay-per-view featuring McGregor and Makhachev could potentially happen sooner rather than later, and will certainly stoke the flames of McGregor’s hostility towards Dagestanis. Depending on who the promotion opts to match McGregor up with in his return, he could face Makhachev shortly.

Who do you want to see Conor McGregor fight next in his return?

Continue Reading McGregor Again Mocks Dagestan Culture In Response To Makhachev at MMA News.

Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev Continue Their Twitter Feud

Conor McGregorUFC lightweight contenders Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev continue to not play nice ahead of the new year. McGregor continues to recover from the nasty leg injury he suffered at UFC 264 but is planning on a return for some time in mid-2022. He’s also already claimed the top spot at the next title shot, […]

Conor McGregor

UFC lightweight contenders Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev continue to not play nice ahead of the new year.

McGregor continues to recover from the nasty leg injury he suffered at UFC 264 but is planning on a return for some time in mid-2022. He’s also already claimed the top spot at the next title shot, a request which Charles Oliveira seemed to entertain on Twitter.

After McGregor poked Oliveira for a fight, Makhachev got involved and roasted McGregor in the process.

This prompted a response from McGregor, who took a shot at Makhachev and the culture in Dagestan in a since-deleted tweet.

This isn’t the first time that Makhachev and McGregor have gone at it on Twitter. McGregor took shots at Makhachev following his win at UFC 267 over Dan Hooker.

Conor McGregor And The Dagestanis Continue Their Feud

McGregor has had various issues with Makhachev and fellow Dagestan-born MMA fighters, including former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor has often crossed the line with trash talk, invoking Nurmagomedov’s dead father and also accusing Dagestan of promoting a culture of inbreeding.

McGregor has lost back-to-back fights against Dustin Poirier, with the latest coming via doctor’s stoppage at UFC 264. He has a slew of potential opponents for his return, with a slight chance that Makhachev may be a possible fit.

Makhachev is coming off of nine straight wins and is on the fast pursuit to a potential title shot. He’s currently slated to face Beneil Dariush in a lightweight showcase and UFC Fight Night main event in February.

If the stars align, McGregor and Makhachev could be on a collision course at lightweight. It’s unclear at what weight McGregor will vie to return at, but a matchup with Makhachev could stir things up further.

Who would win in a Conor McGregor vs. Islam Makhachev fight?

Beneil Dariush: Khabib Nurmagomedov Doing ‘Drama Show’ With Islam Makhachev Comments

Beneil DariushBeneil Dariush remains undeterred by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s attempts at making drama. Dariush takes on Islam Makhachev at the UFC’s upcoming February 26 event in a fight many believe the winner will go on to challenge for the lightweight title next. Nurmagomedov is certainly hopeful that’s the case for Makhachev as he has been campaigning for […]

Beneil Dariush

Beneil Dariush remains undeterred by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s attempts at making drama.

Dariush takes on Islam Makhachev at the UFC’s upcoming February 26 event in a fight many believe the winner will go on to challenge for the lightweight title next.

Nurmagomedov is certainly hopeful that’s the case for Makhachev as he has been campaigning for his friend and training partner to get the next shot for a while.

Recently, he revealed the following:

“UFC told Islam, if [he beats] Dariush, he’s going to fight for the title,” Nurmagomedov said. “And UFC told – you know, like what’s interesting, if Islam finishes him, they’re going to give him like double bonus. It’s very interesting.

“This is like just private news. I just want to share with you and fans because it’s very interesting, and UFC really, really wants this fight, and they told him if you’re going to finish him, they’re going to give him double bonus.”

Why did Nurmagomedov feel the need to mention that? Dariush believes he is just creating drama.

“I don’t know if I feel like I’m in competition with [Khabib], but I feel like, maybe, he’s trying to do a little bit of a drama show,” Dariush told ESPN (via MMA Mania). “Like when he talks about contracts and how Islam is getting a bonus to finish me and stuff like that. You know, I feel like he’s throwing a little digs in there, which, in reality, I think is funny.”

Beneil Dariush: I Also Have A Double Bonus

The comments are even funnier for Dariush as the double bonus Nurmagomedov mentioned is in his contract as well. That said, he doesn’t mind the former lightweight king’s comments.

“In reality, I get the same thing,” Dariush said. “I have the same thing in my contract… I have that double bonus in my contract. Yeah, yeah, I have the same assurances… It has nothing to do with the name of the fighter, it’s just in your contract.

“So, you know, drama show, everywhere you go it’s a little bit of a drama show. But at least the way Khabib does it, it’s not like, personal. So I don’t mind it, I actually appreciate it.”

As for the winner getting a title shot? Dariush is not too sure he’ll get one even with the streak that he’s on. But in time, he knows he’ll get it eventually.

“I don’t know about if I’m going to get a title shot,” he added. “Listen, with me, just because the way I am, you never know when I’m gonna get this title shot. And I don’t think it’s because Dana or Sean [Shelby, UFC matchmaker] don’t like me. I think they like me, but like, they’re businessmen. They have to make the right choice for their business; what’s gonna sell more pay-per-view, what’s gonna get more eyes on the fights, and I recognize that.”

“If I continue doing what I’m doing inside that Octagon, I’m eventually gonna get the eyes and the people to open up their pocketbooks and pay for that pay-per-view.”

Do you think Beneil Dariush will get a title shot if he beats Islam Makhachev?

Dariush: Khabib’s Double Bonus Makhachev Claim Is Just A Drama Show

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has responded to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s claim that Islam Makhachev will receive a “double bonus” if he finishes him.

Earlier this week, another blockbuster clash in the 155-pound division was revealed. In Nov…

Beneil Dariush, Khabib Nurmagomedov & Islam Makhachev

UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has responded to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s claim that Islam Makhachev will receive a “double bonus” if he finishes him.

Earlier this week, another blockbuster clash in the 155-pound division was revealed. In November we had a barnburner between Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler, this month will see Dustin Poirier challenge for Charles Oliveira’s gold, and February 2022 will now see top-five elites Dariush and Makhachev collide in a UFC Fight Night main event.

Both men will enter the five-rounder riding lengthy winning streaks. For the Iranian-born American, victories over names like Drew Dober, Drakkar Klose, Diego Ferreira, and Tony Ferguson have seen him have his hand raised in seven straight fights. Makhachev, meanwhile, got past Arman Tsarukyan, Thiago Moisés, and Dan Hooker on his way to nine consecutive triumphs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWyQIc0twjW/

In the aftermath of the booking being reported, Makhachev’s compatriot, friend, and teammate Khabib appeared to make a revelation. “The Eagle” claimed the #4-ranked lightweight will receive a special reward from the UFC if he’s able to put Dariush away inside the 25-minute distance on February 26.

Dariush Says The “Double Bonus” Is In His Contract As Well

According to Dariush, Khabib’s comments were simply an attempt to add a little drama to the matchup, as he boasts the same bonus in his own contract. During an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, the 32-year-old confirmed that Makhachev isn’t receiving anything special or unheard of.

“I don’t know if I feel like I’m in competition with him (Khabib), but I feel like, maybe, he’s trying to do a little bit of a drama show. Like when he talks about contracts and how Islam is getting a bonus to finish me and stuff like that. You know, I feel like he’s throwing a little digs in there, which, in reality, I think is funny… I was gonna joke, I was like, ‘Man, I’m gonna call Ali (Abdelaziz) and tell him, listen Ali, give me Khabib’s number, I wanna make this guy my manager because I don’t understand why he’s getting bonuses.’

“But I’m just kidding. In reality, I get the same thing. I have the same thing in my contract… I have that double bonus in my contract. Yeah, yeah, I have the same assurances… It has nothing to do with the name of the fighter, it’s just in your contract. So, you know, drama show, everywhere you go it’s a little bit of a drama show. But at least the way Khabib does it, it’s not like, personal. So I don’t mind it, I actually appreciate it.”

While he knows he’ll be receiving the same double bonus as Makhachev if he finishes the Dagestani, Dariush isn’t so sure he has the same assurances when it comes to a title shot. Despite a victory over Makhachev, on paper, making him the clear top contender, the 32-year-old recognizes that the promotion will do whatever is best for business.

“I don’t know about if I’m going to get a title shot. Listen, with me, just because the way I am, you never know when I’m gonna get this title shot. And I don’t think it’s because Dana (White) or Sean (Shelby) don’t like me, I think they like me, but like, they’re businessmen. They have to make the right choice for their business; what’s gonna sell more pay-per-view, what’s gonna get more eyes on the fights, and I recognize that… If I continue doing what I’m doing inside that Octagon, I’m eventually gonna get the eyes and the people to open up their pocketbooks and pay for that pay-per-view.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW3c3wapzgR/

Should Beneil Dariush receive a title shot if he halts the charge of Islam Makhachev in February 2022?

Continue Reading Dariush: Khabib’s Double Bonus Makhachev Claim Is Just A Drama Show at MMA News.