- Islam Makhachev is not entertaining a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan and has got his eyes currently locked on Max Holloway
- The lightweight champ thinks fans would love to see him fight with “Blessed” as well
Islam Makhachev remains disinterested in running it back with Arman Tsarukyan but has found a perfect new potential challenger in Max Holloway.
Arman is done, Max could get it
Speaking to reporters and fans in a recent Q&A session at UFC Abu Dhabi, the reigning lightweight champion blatantly dismissed a possible rematch with “Ahalkalakets,” whom he already beat via unanimous decision back in 2019. For Makhachev, the most interesting contender right now is former featherweight champion Holloway.
Makhachev believes that a showdown with “Blessed” is not only interesting for him but moreso for the fans.
“I already beat Arman. If UFC puts him next, that’s no problem. But, I’m not excited much [by Tsarukyan]. I need new name, new challenger. I already beat Arman,” Makhachev pointed out. “If Max wants, let’s do it… Max is a good name. It’s going to be a crazy fight for the fans.”
Islam Makhachev says a fight with Arman isn’t interesting and if Max Holloway defeats Ilia Topuria, that’d be a fight he’d like‼️
"I already beat Arman. If UFC puts him next, no problem but, I need some new names…”
“If Max wants, let's do it. Max is a good name. It's gonna be… pic.twitter.com/9RcWFbrAeO
— MMA Casuals (@MMA_CASUALS_) August 2, 2024
Max vs. Islam is huge but unlikely to happen soon
Indeed, a title fight between Makhachev and Holloway would be one for the ages but from the look of things as of late, it appears that it might not happen soon. For one, “Blessed” is already booked to take on current featherweight champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in October when the UFC flies back to Abu Dhabi.
Another possible roadblock for Makhachev is the hand injury which he incurred from his last title fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Makhachev previously revealed that it might require a surgery and that could potentially saw him missing out on his plan to fight again before the year ends or at UFC 308.
