Islam Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has delivered a clear message regarding the upcoming bout between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria.
As Makhachev embarks on a new phase of his career potentially outside the lightweight division, his former adversary Charles Oliveira is slated to compete against Ilia Topuria.
Both Oliveira and Topuria had previously sought a championship opportunity against Makhachev. However, their chance to claim gold will instead occur when they face each other at UFC 317 on June 28.
This matchup, set to be a highlight of International Fight Week, is being promoted as a contest for the vacant lightweight title. Despite this billing, Makhachev`s manager holds a different perspective.
Ali Abdelaziz Suggests Charles Oliveira vs Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 is for the ‘Burger King Belt’
The consistently outspoken Ali Abdelaziz recently took to social media platform X to share his thoughts on the current state of the lightweight division`s championship.
He maintained that even if Makhachev`s name is no longer primarily associated with the 155-pound weight class, his standing as the “Lightweight Champion” remains unchanged.
Based on this conviction, Abdelaziz asserted that the title contested between Oliveira and Topuria at UFC 317 would be illegitimate.
Abdelaziz posted: “I wasn’t really gonna say much but I see people just don’t want to move on. [Makhachev] is always gonna be the Lightweight Champion, these two guys who are fighting, they are fighting for the Burger King belt, I wish people would be nice to each other but hey it is what it is.”
Islam Makhachev Expected to Vie for a Title in a Different UFC Division Next
While Topuria and Oliveira prepare for their confrontation at UFC 317, Makhachev is anticipated to begin preparations for a championship fight in another weight class.
UFC CEO Dana White recently confirmed Makhachev`s intention to move from the lightweight division, announcing that the top pound-for-pound fighter will receive an immediate title challenge at welterweight.
The welterweight champion is currently Jack Della Maddalena, who secured a significant victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. Della Maddalena is set to welcome Makhachev to the 170-pound division.
The Australian fighter may seek to avenge Makhachev`s two wins over his compatriot and frequent training partner, Alexander Volkanovski.
A specific date for the Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev fight has not yet been announced. However, Makhachev`s manager has already indicated it will not be held at the UFC`s annual pay-per-view event in Australia.
Jack Thornley