Islam Makhachev has long been a force in the lightweight division, but his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, believes his dominance isn’t limited to one weight class. Ahead of UFC 311, Abdelaziz expressed his belief that Makhachev could also challenge light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Makhachev, with a near-perfect record of 26-1, is set to defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on January 18. The event, hosted at the Intuit Dome in California, promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the year. However, it’s the speculation surrounding Makhachev’s ability to excel in higher weight classes that has stirred conversation.
Training with an Edge
To prepare for the upcoming fight, Makhachev and his team have set up camp at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. This move allows access to advanced facilities and resources, such as dietitians and physiotherapy, giving Makhachev every advantage in his training.
“I don’t think any man from 155lbs to 185lbs can beat Islam Makhachev. It doesn’t exist. I believe 155, 170, 185, I think Islam [Makhachev] can beat anybody on any given day,” Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie
“This is what I believe in because of what he’s shown me, the development, the improvement.”
With Khabib Nurmagomedov playing a pivotal role in his preparation, Makhachev’s camp is reportedly laser-focused on retaining his lightweight title. The combination of elite coaching and cutting-edge training methods is expected to bolster his already impressive skill set.
Challenging the Light Heavyweight Elite
Abdelaziz’s assertion that Makhachev could compete against fighters in the light heavyweight division has raised eyebrows. His manager highlighted the lightweight champion’s ability to dominate with a blend of wrestling and finishing skills, making him a threat even to the likes of Alex Pereira.
“I think Islam will beat Alex [Pereira] at 205, I do. I swear to Allah.
“I think Islam [Makhachev] will beat Alex [Pereira]. He’s just going to take him down and finish him, submit him. Alex [Pereira] can knock out anybody on the planet if he touches you, but I think Islam [Makhachev] is this good.” Abdelaziz added.
Makhachev’s track record supports such claims, with a streak of victories that showcase his ability to adapt and excel against top-tier opponents. His dominance in the lightweight division has led to speculation about his potential to make waves in higher categories, further cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s most well-rounded athletes.
A Legacy in the Making
As UFC 311 approaches, the focus remains on Makhachev’s title defense against Tsarukyan. However, the conversations about his potential to compete across multiple weight classes add an intriguing layer to his journey. Whether he remains the king of the lightweight division or ventures into new challenges, Makhachev continues to shape a legacy of unparalleled excellence in MMA.
