Ali Abdelaziz thinks there is only one man in the lightweight division who can challenge Islam Makhachev.
The lightweight division in the UFC is one of the most stacked in the whole organization. Not only does this division hold talented fighters but it is complete with some of the biggest stars in the sport. From Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and more, the champion Islam Makhachev could have his hands full with any of the top five contenders. However, the champ is slated to take on the featherweight champion in his next outing.
Longtime MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz is responsible for the careers of some of MMA’s biggest stars. He feels that the UFC is making a mistake by setting up Alexander Volkanovski with Makhachev at this time.
“I think the UFC made a mistake by making this fight because I think it should have been Beneil Dariush and I truly mean it. I respect Alexander Volkanovski, I think it’s a mistake to fight Islam right now,” he said. “I think it’s a mistake, the only man who can give him a fight is Beneil, who, you know at the moment is the top contender. I just don’t think it’s a competitive fight.”
Ali Abdelaziz thinks Islam Makhachev could be a three-division champion right now
Abdelaziz is high on his client Makhachev. As a manager his job is to make sure his client is paid well and to talk him up, however, he is doing more than just talking him up, he feels Makhachev is ready to take over the entire UFC. Makhachev has yet to defend his lightweight title but Abdelaziz would have him taking two other belts as well if it were up to him. He feels that Makhachev could beat the current middleweight and light heavyweight champions right now. He spoke about this in an interview with MMA Underground.
“Islam is the real deal. Islam, I can see him becoming a three-division champion. I really do. You told me Islam cannot beat Leon Edwards right now, he can. If you told me Islam Makhachev cannot beat Alex Pereira, he can. Islam Makhachev can be a three-division champion,” he said. “I see him in the gym. He smashes people light heavyweight, heavyweight. He’s one-of-a-kind. The man is unstoppable.”
Abdelaziz has high hopes for his friend and client Makhachev but first, he must get past Volkanovski. Makhachev will be the bigger man coming into that title fight, but Volkanovski is the pound-for-pound best and has not lost a fight in nearly ten years.