Tag: Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev warns UFC rival Justin Gaethje amid links to fight: ‘I can do more than kicking, be careful’

Islam Makhachev issues warning to Justin Gaethje UFC title fight I can do more than kicking be carefulAmid links to a lightweight title fight in the opening quarter of next year, undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev…

Islam Makhachev issues warning to Justin Gaethje UFC title fight I can do more than kicking be careful

Amid links to a lightweight title fight in the opening quarter of next year, undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has issued a stark warning to former interim champion and current BMF gold holder, Justin Gaethje, claiming he should “be careful” as the two continue to find themselves linked to a clash.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion and pound-for-pound number one, has been sidelined since he took main event honors at UFC 294 back in October, landing a devastating first round high-kick knockout win over featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski in the pair’s title fight rematch.

As for Gaethje, the Arizona native has been sidelined since he landed the symbolic BMF championship back in July at UFC 291, laying waste to two-time foe, Dustin Poirier with a thunderous second round high-kick stoppage of his own.

And dismissing talks of a future title rematch with former champion, Charles Oliviera in his return to the Octagon, Makhachev has claimed he would like to fight Gaethje next in his return to the UFC.

Welcoming the idea of a fight with his fellow Dominance MMA stablemate, Gaethje claimed he was waiting on the call to meet the Russian.

“Waiting on the call,” Justin Gaethje posted on his official X account. “Ready when you @ufc @danawhite Let’s see who can kick the others head off first @MAKHACHEVMMA Do Bronx had his shot and didn’t show up for the rematch. It is what it is.” 

And in response to Gaethje, Makhachev reminded the former interim champion that he possesses more than just the ability to stop a foe with strikes.

Islam Makhachev issues warning to Justin Gaethje

“I can do more than kicking, be careful,” Islam Makhachev posted in response to Justin Gaethje.

Who wins in a future title fight: Islam Makhachev or Justin Gaethje?

Justin Gaethje Lobbies for UFC title fight with Islam Makhachev: ‘Oliveira had his shot and didn’t show up’

Justin GaethjeJustin Gaethje is ready for another shot at UFC gold. Originally scheduled to rematch Charles Oliveira at UFC 294,…

Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje is ready for another shot at UFC gold.

Originally scheduled to rematch Charles Oliveira at UFC 294, Islam Makhachev instead defended his lightweight world title against Alexander Volkanovski after ‘Do Bronx’ was forced to withdraw due to a cut sustained whilst training.

The ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ made quick work of Volkanovski, scoring a vicious first-round head-kick KO.

Everyone assumed that the UFC would look to rebook the originally scheduled headliner between Makhachev and Oliveira for early 2024. However, it now appears that Islam Makhachev and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, have completely moved on from running it back with Oliveira in favor of a fresh matchup with current BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje.

‘The Highlight’ is more than ready to jump the queue and sign on the dotted line if that’s what Makhachev wants. All UFC CEO Dana White has to do is make the call.

“Waiting on the call,” Gaethje wrote on X. “Ready when you are @ufc @danawhite Let’s see who can kick the others head off first @MAKHACHEVMMA Do Bronx had his shot and didn’t show up for the rematch. It is what it is.”

Is the third time the charm for Justin Gaethje?

Gaethje’s last appearance inside the Octagon came at UFC 291 when he scored a highlight-reel-worthy knockout of Dustin Poirier. It was his second-straight victory after putting on a brilliant performance against Rafael Fiziev four months prior. Gaethje has won three of his last five with his two losses coming in championship fights.

If ‘The Highlight’ does land another lightweight title opportunity, it will be his third, and likely final chance at gold after coming up short against former champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.

Bo Nickal Believes Khamzat Chimaev would ‘Beat Up’ Leon Edwards in potential title tilt, talks ‘Rocky’ vs. Makhachev

Leon Edwards, Khamzat Chimaev, and Islam MakhachevBo Nickal believes reigning welterweight world champion Leon Edwards would get pummeled by Khamzat Chimaev but expects a potential…

Leon Edwards, Khamzat Chimaev, and Islam Makhachev

Bo Nickal believes reigning welterweight world champion Leon Edwards would get pummeled by Khamzat Chimaev but expects a potential clash between ‘Rocky’ and Islam Makhachev to be fairly competitive.

Edwards is coming off a solid five-round performance against Colby Covington at UFC 296 to retain his title. Next on the docket for ‘Rocky’ should be a rematch with No. 2 ranked contender Belal Muhammad, but it seems like everyone outside of the welterweight division is chomping at the bit to get their hands on Edwards.

Immediately following the final fight of 2023, Islam Makhachev called for a clash with Leon Edwards in 2024, claiming he could finish both Edwards and Covington.

Khamzat Chimaev has also suggested moving back down to 170 in hopes of claiming his first world title at the expense of Edwards

Rising middleweight prospect Bo Nickal believes a fight between Edwards and Makhachev could be fairly competitive. However, the former three-time NCAA Division I National Champion suggested that ‘Rocky’ would get thoroughly manhandled by the undefeated Chechen monster.

“I think there are guys that are going to be able to give him some resistance and stuff,” Nickal said of Edwards on his YouTube channel. “If Khamzat [Chimaev] goes back down, that’s a freaking tough fight for him. Islam would be a tough fight for him, as well, but I think that’s really competitive.

“I feel like Khamzat comes down, he would probably beat him up. But Islam coming up, even though he’s a big 55’er, Leon’s big. Leon can freaking strike. Colby was able to hold him down a good amount, so who knows? And Leon’s smart, he keeps his cool so, I don’t know” (h/t The News & Observer).

The Impressive Win Streaks of Edwards, Chimaev, and Makhachev

Khamzat Chimaev kicked off his UFC career scoring three finishes in eight weeks. Since then, his pace has slowed, though his success inside the Octagon has been nonetheless impressive. Chimaev has earned victories over Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland, and former welterweight world champion Kamaru Usman in his last three appearances.

Chimaev is currently rumored to be in talks for a fight with two-time middleweight champ Israel Adesanya at UFC 300 in April, though no official announcements have been made.

As for Islman Makhachev, the reigning lightweight king is coming off an impressive first-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. ‘The Great’ stepped in on 11 days’ notice to run back their instant classic from February and ultimately paid the price, suffering a vicious head-kick KO.

“And Islam, he’s not 100 percent grappler,” Nickal continued. “He tries to strike a lot with all the guys he’s fought pretty much.”

Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev are both on a 13-fight win streak while Leon Edwards has bested his last 12 opponents in a row.

Fighter of the Year – LowKick MMA 2023 Awards

LowKick MMA Awards 2023 Fighter of the Year Sean Strickland2023 brought with it a multitude of standout performances from some of the most unlikeliest of sources — in…

LowKick MMA Awards 2023 Fighter of the Year Sean Strickland

2023 brought with it a multitude of standout performances from some of the most unlikeliest of sources — in some of the biggest and high-profile fights of the annum, from the likes of middleweight champion, Sean Strickland, welterweight maestro, Leon Edwards, and pound-for-pound star, Islam Makhachev.

However. amid a list of nominations long and varying issues by the staff here at LowKick MMA — the outspoken Sean Strickland has emerged far and ahead as the consensus Fighter of the Year for 2023.

Fighter of the Year – Sean Strickland – UFC – 3-0-0 (4 votes)

Rebounding from a tumultuous 2022 year which included a two-fight losing skid to former title challenger, Jared Cannonier, and two-weight champion, last year’s Fighter of the Year award winner, Alex Pereira — the often-outspoken Strickland turned in a year to remember, including one of the biggest upsets in recent Octagon memory in the final quarter of the year.

Snapping his two-fight skid with a unanimous decision win over the highly-touted, Nassourdine Imavov at the beginning of the year in a short-notice light heavyweight clash, Strickland would seize the opportunity of a first title challenger with a knockout win over Abusupiysan Magomedov.

And shocking the collective mixed martial arts community back in September, Strickland, on would-be hostile terrritory against Oceanic striker, Israel Adesanya — landed a unanimous shutout decision win over the City Kickboxing staple, clinching the promotion’s undisputed middleweight crown.

Booked to make his return in a heated title fight defense against the surging, Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 at the turn of the year in ‘The Great White North’, Strickland takes the Fighter of the Year award under the LowKick MMA banner this annum.

Honorable Mentions –

Leon Edwards – UFC – 2-0-0 (3 votes)

Rounding off a championship-laden year for himself earlier this month, undisputed welterweight kingpin, Leon Edwards recorded two straight victories by way of decision this year — laying waste to the division’s constant and always challenging guard.

Closing out his trilogy with a rubber match against former pound-for-pound king, Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 back in March on home soil in the UK, Birmingham technician, Edwards landed a majority decision win over the Auchi native — having snatched the throne in August of last year with a immortal high-kick rallying knockout success.

And earlier this month, in a brutal grudge match with former interim champion, Colby Covington, Edwards landed a one-sided unanimous decision win over the aging Clovis challenger, who failed to mount any real significant output offensively.

Islam Makhachev – UFC – 2-0-0 (1 vote)

Closing out his series of fights with undisptued featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski back in October, pound-for-pound number one, Islam Makhachev did so in certain style — showing off his sriking arsenal with a spectacular opening round high-kick KO in the pair’s lightweight title rematch.

The victory followed a prior February back-and-forth with the New South Wales star, in which Makhachev edged a close and egregious decision win on enemy territory.

Dricus du Plessis – UFC – 2-0-0 (1 vote)

Ahead of his championship siege in January against award winner, Strickland, South African challenger, Dricus du Plessis has enjoyed an unbeaten 2-0 run in the UFC this year — continuing in his perfect-promotional winning vein.

Landing on the most impactful victory in what seems likes years in the middleweight ranks, after a TKO stoppage of recent PFL debutante, Derek Brunson, in July, du Plessis landed a stunning second round knockout win over former undisputed middleweight champion and ever-present top-contender, Robert Whittaker, earning him a shot at Strickland’s title belt.

Full list of the LowKick MMA 2023 Fighter of the Year votes:

Ross Markey: Sean Strickland

Ian Shutts: Islam Makhachev

Murdo Todd: Leon Edwards

Craig Pekios: Leon Edwards

Makoa Goble: Sean Strickland

Tony King: Leon Edwards

Red Pill MMA: Dricus du Plessis

Michael Owens: Sean Strickland

Danny Podolsky: Sean Strickland

Fighter of the Year – LowKick MMA 2023 Awards

LowKick MMA Awards 2023 Fighter of the Year Sean Strickland2023 brought with it a multitude of standout performances from some of the most unlikeliest of sources — in…

LowKick MMA Awards 2023 Fighter of the Year Sean Strickland

2023 brought with it a multitude of standout performances from some of the most unlikeliest of sources — in some of the biggest and high-profile fights of the annum, from the likes of middleweight champion, Sean Strickland, welterweight maestro, Leon Edwards, and pound-for-pound star, Islam Makhachev.

However. amid a list of nominations long and varying issues by the staff here at LowKick MMA — the outspoken Sean Strickland has emerged far and ahead as the consensus Fighter of the Year for 2023.

Fighter of the Year – Sean Strickland – UFC – 3-0-0 (4 votes)

Rebounding from a tumultuous 2022 year which included a two-fight losing skid to former title challenger, Jared Cannonier, and two-weight champion, last year’s Fighter of the Year award winner, Alex Pereira — the often-outspoken Strickland turned in a year to remember, including one of the biggest upsets in recent Octagon memory in the final quarter of the year.

Snapping his two-fight skid with a unanimous decision win over the highly-touted, Nassourdine Imavov at the beginning of the year in a short-notice light heavyweight clash, Strickland would seize the opportunity of a first title challenger with a knockout win over Abusupiysan Magomedov.

And shocking the collective mixed martial arts community back in September, Strickland, on would-be hostile terrritory against Oceanic striker, Israel Adesanya — landed a unanimous shutout decision win over the City Kickboxing staple, clinching the promotion’s undisputed middleweight crown.

Booked to make his return in a heated title fight defense against the surging, Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 at the turn of the year in ‘The Great White North’, Strickland takes the Fighter of the Year award under the LowKick MMA banner this annum.

Honorable Mentions –

Leon Edwards – UFC – 2-0-0 (3 votes)

Rounding off a championship-laden year for himself earlier this month, undisputed welterweight kingpin, Leon Edwards recorded two straight victories by way of decision this year — laying waste to the division’s constant and always challenging guard.

Closing out his trilogy with a rubber match against former pound-for-pound king, Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 back in March on home soil in the UK, Birmingham technician, Edwards landed a majority decision win over the Auchi native — having snatched the throne in August of last year with a immortal high-kick rallying knockout success.

And earlier this month, in a brutal grudge match with former interim champion, Colby Covington, Edwards landed a one-sided unanimous decision win over the aging Clovis challenger, who failed to mount any real significant output offensively.

Islam Makhachev – UFC – 2-0-0 (1 vote)

Closing out his series of fights with undisptued featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski back in October, pound-for-pound number one, Islam Makhachev did so in certain style — showing off his sriking arsenal with a spectacular opening round high-kick KO in the pair’s lightweight title rematch.

The victory followed a prior February back-and-forth with the New South Wales star, in which Makhachev edged a close and egregious decision win on enemy territory.

Dricus du Plessis – UFC – 2-0-0 (1 vote)

Ahead of his championship siege in January against award winner, Strickland, South African challenger, Dricus du Plessis has enjoyed an unbeaten 2-0 run in the UFC this year — continuing in his perfect-promotional winning vein.

Landing on the most impactful victory in what seems likes years in the middleweight ranks, after a TKO stoppage of recent PFL debutante, Derek Brunson, in July, du Plessis landed a stunning second round knockout win over former undisputed middleweight champion and ever-present top-contender, Robert Whittaker, earning him a shot at Strickland’s title belt.

Full list of the LowKick MMA 2023 Fighter of the Year votes:

Ross Markey: Sean Strickland

Ian Shutts: Islam Makhachev

Murdo Todd: Leon Edwards

Craig Pekios: Leon Edwards

Makoa Goble: Sean Strickland

Tony King: Leon Edwards

Red Pill MMA: Dricus du Plessis

Michael Owens: Sean Strickland

Danny Podolsky: Sean Strickland

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.