Ali Abdelaziz, manager for UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, has publicly attributed the collapse of a potential superfight against Ilia Topuria to the reigning Featherweight Champion himself. This accusation comes amidst differing accounts; Topuria’s manager, Malki Kawa, cited unsatisfactory financial terms, while UFC CEO Dana White suggested Islam Makhachev was recovering from a hand injury.
In an interview with TMZ, Abdelaziz presented his perspective, asserting that the fight offer was indeed extended, but Topuria ultimately rejected the proposed conditions. Abdelaziz recounted the initial excitement: “I got called about Ilia fighting Islam. It was the middle of the day, Islam was sleeping, and I was excited about it.” However, he quickly received a follow-up call: “After that, I got called back, ‘Never mind, the fight’s not gonna happen.’ Even before I talked to Islam.”
The prominent MMA manager subsequently expressed skepticism about “El Matador’s” genuine interest in a bout with Makhachev. Abdelaziz reiterated his belief in the fight’s magnitude, stating, “I believe Ilia and Islam is the biggest fight the UFC can make. I think this fight should happen this year. But in a way, does Ilia really want it?”
Nonetheless, Abdelaziz also expressed a degree of understanding for Topuria’s position. He acknowledged the potential reluctance for Topuria, the current UFC Featherweight Champion, to enter a superfight that might involve vacating his title.
Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev currently holds the UFC Lightweight Championship. As for Topuria, he is reportedly slated for a high-stakes encounter against interim Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje at the upcoming UFC 250 event.
Regarding Makhachev’s next steps, Abdelaziz stated that his fighter is prepared to face the top contender this summer. However, he did not specify whether this referred to Ian Machado Garry or another challenger deemed appropriate by Makhachev’s team.