UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has recently shared an exciting update about his next fight. After a dominating performance against Drew Dober in March, Makhachev has been on the lookout for his next opponent. The Russian fighter has acknowledged the various options available and dropped a major hint about his upcoming fight.
In a recent interview, Makhachev revealed that he has received offers to fight top contenders such as Rafael Dos Anjos and Michael Chandler. However, he also mentioned that he has his sights set on fighting Tony Ferguson, a former interim lightweight champion.
Makhachev and Ferguson were originally scheduled to fight in 2020, but the bout was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, it seems like the two fighters are finally ready to face each other inside the octagon.
“It’s a good fight for me. I want to fight him. He’s a good fighter, a big name. He has a lot of energy, a lot of fans. I think it’s going to be a good fight for me,” Makhachev said about the potential matchup with Ferguson.
Ferguson, known for his unorthodox and unpredictable fighting style, has been on a rough patch lately with two consecutive losses. However, Makhachev still sees him as a tough opponent and believes that a win over him would solidify his position as the top contender in the lightweight division.
But Makhachev’s potential fight with Ferguson is not the only option on the table. The 29-year-old fighter also mentioned that he is open to fighting former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos. This fight has been talked about for quite some time now, and with both fighters being known for their grappling skills, it would surely be an interesting matchup.
Another potential opponent for Makhachev is Michael Chandler, who recently made his UFC debut with a win over Dan Hooker. Chandler has expressed his desire to fight Makhachev, and the Russian fighter is more than willing to take him on.
“I think he’s a good fighter. He has a good wrestling background, good striking. He’s a dangerous guy, but I’m a champion, and I have to fight the best guys in the world,” Makhachev said about a potential fight with Chandler.
No matter who his next opponent will be, Makhachev is determined to continue his winning streak and make his mark in the UFC. After all, he has been training under the tutelage of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, and he is ready to carry on his mentor’s legacy.
Since his debut in 2015, Makhachev has only suffered one loss in his professional career and has quickly climbed the ranks to become the UFC welterweight champion. With his impressive wrestling skills and powerful striking, Makhachev has proven to be a formidable force inside the octagon.
Fans are eagerly waiting to see who Makhachev will face next and if he can continue his dominance in the lightweight division. Whether it’s Ferguson, Dos Anjos, or Chandler, one thing is for sure – Makhachev is ready to take on any challenge and defend his title.
In conclusion, the UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has set his sights on his next opponent and has acknowledged the various options available. With a potential matchup against Tony Ferguson, Rafael Dos Anjos, or Michael Chandler, Makhachev is determined to continue his winning streak and prove himself as the top contender in the lightweight division. As fans eagerly wait for his next fight, one thing is certain – Makhachev will continue to represent his country and make his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, proud.