Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight champion, will go on a summer vacation. Even though Islam is looking to defend his title in the next few months, UFC has other plans for him. His stint will be halted until the promotion moves to the United Arab Emirates in the later part of the year.
Islam defended his lightweight belt against the belligerent sensation Alexander Volkanovski. Being the current Featherweight champion, Volkanovski was looking to cinch double championship belts around his waist. However, Islam stood tall and put a break on his plans. As of now, Islam’s plans are on break as well.
UFC planning to involve Islam Makhachev in their Abu Dhabi event, not before that
The Dagestani brawler was scouring through Las Vegas in search of his next fight contract. In an interview with John McCarthy and Josh Thomson, Islam revealed that Dana White, Sean Shelby, and Hunter Campbell have unanimously come to a decision. And they are trying to convince Islam to take a break from the octagon for months as they have plans for him in Abu Dhabi. Islam was hoping for a fight around June or August. Apparently, the negotiations have broken down even before they started.
If Islam returns to defend his title in Abu Dhabi then he can expect a fight around September or October. UFC usually arranges an event over there around that time. This year UFC 294 is speculated to take place in Etihad Arena on October 21. In fact, in the last Abu Dhabi event (UFC 280), Islam headlined. He got his hands on the gold over there, berating Charles Oliveira.
That title fight was one of the pivotal days of Islam’s career. At the same time that fight is emblematic of the hectic schedule, he has had over the past few months. In the last twelve months, he has fought against Bobby Green, Charles Oliveira, and Alexander Volkanovski – one of which was a championship bout and another championship defense. It is only fair that Islam goes on a break and replenishes himself.
Islam Makhachev is keen on an Alexander Volkanovski rematch
Just like Makhachev, Volkanovski was eager for a rematch. As of now, he will probably have to relinquish his double championship dreams. The Australian is reportedly going to defend his featherweight title against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290, in July.
https://youtu.be/C3mhpnEqzGc
As a matter of fact, Islam was ready to take on Volkanovski once again. He felt that he did not dominate the match as he wanted. The Dagestaniclaimed that he always “smashes his opponents” and he wants to replicate that against Volkanovski. And he has no problem facing Volkanovski multiple times. As things stand, Islam’s wishes are very far away from being granted.
