Tag: Islam Makhachev

REPORT | Islam Makhachev To Face Thiago Moises On July 17

Islam MakhachevTop lightweight contender, Islam Makhachev, is set to take on Thiago Moises over three rounds on July 17 according to a report from ESPN journalist, Brett Okamoto. “Islam Makhachev will return to the Octagon on July 17, per sources,” Okamoto wrote on social media. “Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises set for a three-rounder at UFC Fight […]

Islam Makhachev

Top lightweight contender, Islam Makhachev, is set to take on Thiago Moises over three rounds on July 17 according to a report from ESPN journalist, Brett Okamoto.

“Islam Makhachev will return to the Octagon on July 17, per sources,” Okamoto wrote on social media. “Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises set for a three-rounder at UFC Fight Night.”

The supposed heir to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s lightweight throne looked impressive earlier this year when he picked up a submission win over Drew Dober at UFC 259.

After that fight Makhachev was aiming high in terms of his next opponent. The Russian was publicly chasing a fight with former 155lb king, Rafael Dos Anjos. Makachev even suggested he could be Justin Gaethje’s next opponent.

So, fans may be surprised to hear he’s booked to face Moises who is not currently ranked at lightweight.

Nonetheless, the Brazilian submission specialist has been in impressive form lately. Moises has won three straight fights, submitting Michael Johnson before picking up back-to-back decision wins over Bobby Green and Alexander Hernandez.

Check out what the July 17 card looks like (so far) below.

Marion Reneau vs. Miesha Tate
Islam Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises
Amir Albazi vs. Ode Osbourne
Sergey Morozov vs. Khalid Taha
Guram Kutateladze vs. Don Madge
Cameron Else vs. Aaron Phillips
Herbert Burns vs. Billy Quarantillo
Francisco Figueredo vs. Malcolm Gordon
Anderson dos Santos vs. Miles Johns
Alan Baudot vs. Rodrigo Nascimento
Phil Hawes vs. Deron Winn

Do you think Islam Makhachev will continue his winning run on July 17?

UFC Rankings Report: Masvidal Drops, New Top-3 Heavyweight, & More

The UFC rankings have been updated following UFC Vegas 26! Check out all the changes below! Men’s Pound for Pound: No Changes Women’s Pound for Pound: Claudia Gadelha moves up one spot to #14, and Nina Nunes debuts in the rankings at #15. Strawweight: …

The UFC rankings have been updated following UFC Vegas 26! Check out all the changes below! Men’s Pound for Pound: No Changes Women’s Pound for Pound: Claudia Gadelha moves up one spot to #14, and Nina Nunes debuts in the rankings at #15. Strawweight: No Changes Women’s Flyweight: No Changes Women’s Bantamweight: No Changes Women’s […]

Islam Makhachev Believes Michael Chandler Is Undeserving Of Title Shot

The retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov sent shockwaves through the lightweight division, and after the UFC announced the vacant title fight, Islam Makhachev thought Michael Chandler was undeserving of the title shot. Islam Makhachev understands why Char…

The retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov sent shockwaves through the lightweight division, and after the UFC announced the vacant title fight, Islam Makhachev thought Michael Chandler was undeserving of the title shot. Islam Makhachev understands why Charles Oliveira was one part of the vacant lightweight title fight. The third-degree black belt has put the work in […]

Islam Makhachev On Justin Gaethje: ‘I’d Love To Fight Him’

Islam MakhachevIslam Makhachev would “love” to be matched up with the former interim champ, Justin Gaethje. Earlier this month Makhachev picked up one of his biggest wins to date. The 29-year-old dominated Drew Dober before securing a third-round submission win at UFC 259. Since that win, Makhachev has been focused on a match-up with the former […]

Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev would “love” to be matched up with the former interim champ, Justin Gaethje.

Earlier this month Makhachev picked up one of his biggest wins to date.

The 29-year-old dominated Drew Dober before securing a third-round submission win at UFC 259.

Since that win, Makhachev has been focused on a match-up with the former lightweight king, Rafael Dos Anjos.

However, the Russian believes ‘RDA’ has cooled on the idea of fighting him.

The pair were previously scheduled to meet on two occasions, but the bout is yet to take place.

“I don’t know why his opinion changed so quickly,” Makhachev told reporters at an Eagle Fighting Championship event. “He won a fight and started acting differently. He was quiet when we had a fight scheduled. He got taken off the card and I asked for a replacement but the UFC said they’d give me a five-round main event then I quietly got on a plane to the U.S. without my team because I wanted that fight then I got sick and he had a fight and after that he started talking differently.”

Ultimately Makhachev thinks Dos Anjos is most likely the man he’ll next face inside the Octagon.

“I don’t know what’s going on with the UFC matchmaking but I think that’s what will end up happening,” Makhachev said. “Most of the top-10 fighters are busy but I’m 90 percent sure they’ll give me a top-10 guy…

“We know that Felder doesn’t want to fight often. He has other things going on with the UFC and isn’t eager to fight anymore. As far as Hooker, I saw that he recently came home. He was quarantined for a long time so I don’t think he’ll want to come back soon. He’ll probably want to rest after getting knocked out, so I think they’ll give me dos Anjos.”

Another possible option is Justin Gaethje who hasn’t fought since being submitted by Makhachev’s teammate and friend Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in October.

“Yes, it’s possible. Justin and I know each other but it’s not like we’re friends,” Makhachev said. “It’s possible. He’s free right now. Why not? I’d love to fight him.” (Transcribed by MMA Fighting)

Who do you want to see Islam Makhachev fight next?

Rafael dos Anjos Willing To Face Makhachev If Khabib Fights Him Next

Rafael dos Anjos is willing to fight Islam Makhachev but on one very specific and interesting condition. In 2014, Rafael dos Anjos suffered a loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov via a lopsided unanimous decision. Much has happened since this fight occurred. Th…

Rafael dos Anjos is willing to fight Islam Makhachev but on one very specific and interesting condition. In 2014, Rafael dos Anjos suffered a loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov via a lopsided unanimous decision. Much has happened since this fight occurred. The following year, dos Anjos went on to capture the lightweight championship and would become […]

Islam Makhachev Calls For A Fight With Tony Ferguson After UFC 259 Win

Islam Makhachev wants to face Tony Ferguson next following his dominant win over Drew Dober at UFC 259. Makhachev is coming off a huge win at UFC 259. The Russian-born fighter defeated Drew Dober via third-round submission and then took to the mic to c…

Islam Makhachev wants to face Tony Ferguson next following his dominant win over Drew Dober at UFC 259. Makhachev is coming off a huge win at UFC 259. The Russian-born fighter defeated Drew Dober via third-round submission and then took to the mic to call out one of the division’s top five, Tony Ferguson. “I […]