After facing criticism for his recent activity, Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion of the UFC, has responded to several athletes who are set to make the walk at UFC 300 in the T-Mobile Arena.
Makhachev has been vocal about his desire to step into the octagon against Dustin Poirier this summer. However, the Dagestani fighter isn’t backing down amidst questions about his fighting frequency from top contenders.
While the bout between Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan is touted as a potential number one contender’s match, there’s a buzz that an outstanding performance in the BMF title fight could also thrust Makhachev’s next opponent into the limelight.
Islam Makhachev Responds to Criticism from Max Holloway
Earlier this year, Makhachev expressed skepticism about the significance of a BMF title fight between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway, citing the current landscape of both the featherweight and lightweight divisions:
“I don’t want to ruffle feathers, but this fight and its accompanying belt seem rather pointless. There’s no tangible benefit for anyone… Neither for me nor for the [lightweight] division does this fight hold much weight.”
Holloway countered by implying that Makhachev had deliberately avoided facing Gaethje earlier in the year and accused the champion of cherry-picking fights:
“I heard Islam talking about how this fight doesn’t make sense and all that jazz. I’m thinking, ‘Buddy, you should’ve faced Justin in February… You had the opportunity then. He’s griping about not getting fights, but truth is, he’s only accepting fights on his terms.”
“It’s not that he can’t find fights; he’s simply turning down the ones offered to him,” added Holloway, who is gearing up for his second bout in the 155lb weight class at UFC 300.
Talks Continues
These sentiments echoed by Holloway have been echoed by other top contenders in the lead-up to UFC 300, with Charles Oliveira notably questioning Makhachev’s tendency to call out fighters in different weight classes without directly acknowledging ‘do Bronx’.
In response to criticisms regarding his inactivity, the lightweight champion took to social media to share a straightforward breakdown of the number of fights each fighter has had in recent years:
“Just to set the record straight: Since 2021, I’ve fought 7 times, while Holloway has fought 5 and Justin just 4. Do your research before you talk smack about your champion.”
On the topic of trash-talking, both Makhachev and Poirier had mutually agreed to a summer showdown following Poirier’s remarkable comeback KO of Benoit Saint-Denis in March. Makhachev even extended a virtual handshake, expressing his eagerness to fight: “Ready to throw down, brother, no more waiting.”
However, the tone between them has soured in the weeks leading up to UFC 300, with Makhachev later remarking, “Dustin, if you could beat just about anyone, you’d be the one holding this belt, not me,” followed by, “His status is that of a perennial contender, with how many title losses, 2? 3?”
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
