The UFC lightweight champion had hoped that the promotion would schedule his next fight as soon as possible, but his plans now include rest until the promotion returns to the United Arab Emirates.
Islam Makhachev is currently looking for a fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. Unfortunately for fight fans, it sounds like he’ll have to wait a few months before he’s in the cage again.
Makhachev just defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in February.Although the 155-pound champion is hope to compete again Sometime this summer, UFC brass plan to wrap him in bubble wrap until the promotion’s annual trip to Abu Dhabi.
Makhachev revealed the timeline in a document new interview with John McCarthy and Josh Thomson.
“They all say, Sean Shelby, Hunter [Campbell], Dana[Whitetheyallsaid’wewanttogiveyousometimetorestwewanttoseeyouinAbuDhabi'”Makhachevsaid”InmyopinionIthinktheywillgivemeJunemaybeAugustsomefightingTheysaid’youwillcomebacktoAbuDhabi’”[Whitetheyallsay’WewanttogiveyousometimefortherestandwewanttoseeyouinAbuDhabi'”Makhachevsaid”InmymindIthinkthey’regonnagivemeJunemaybeAugustsomefightTheysay’YouwillcomebackinAbuDhabi'”[怀特，他们都说’我们想给你一些时间休息，我们想在阿布扎比见到你，’”Makhachev说。“在我看来，我认为他们会给我六月，也许八月，一些战斗。他们说‘你会回到阿布扎比。’”[Whitetheyallsay‘WewanttogiveyousometimefortherestandwewanttoseeyouinAbuDhabi’”Makhachevsaid“InmymindIthinkthey’regonnagivemeJunemaybeAugustsomefightTheysay‘YouwillcomebackinAbuDhabi’”
UFC holds its major event in Abu Dhabi every September or October. Makhachev was there to headline the last performance of the promotion – UFC 280 October 2022 — Cut to Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title (look at the highlights).
While it’s disappointing to hear that the 155-pound belt won’t hold until the fall of 2023, Makhachev certainly deserves a break. He played in 3 fights in 12 months, beating Bobby Green, Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski.
Speaking of Volkanovski, the UFC wants to keep him from pursuing a double title. reported him He defends his featherweight belt against interim champion Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290International Fight Week“In July.
That doesn’t mean Makhachev gave up final rematch.
“People are still talking about some things,” he said of Volker’s struggle. “Because I always crush my opponent, I want to finish him too. I know I can do it. If he wants to, maybe fight a few times, or his next fight, I’ll win the next one. If People will, we can do it.”
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