It’s often Islam Makhachev in the spotlight. But recently, it was his manager who took the spotlight. Ali Abdelaziz met with Arizona Congressman Abe Hamadeh in his office on Monday, March 16. While the meeting doesn’t appear to be business-related, Hamadeh’s office released a statement on Tuesday, praising the 48-year-old MMA manager and former fighter.

“Wonderful to see Congressman Hamadeh’s friend [Ali Abdelaziz] at the office yesterday,” the Office of Congressman shared alongside an image of the two. “Ali is a fighter in every sense of the word, from his days as a pro MMA competitor in the cage, to the boardroom as founder and CEO of Dominance MMA, to the campaign trail in 2024, where he actively endorsed and rallied support for President Trump, helping secure a historic victory. FIGHT ON, ALI! 👊”

It’s unclear when the two became friendly, but Abdelaziz has supported Hamadeh in the past, endorsing him during the 2024 election.

“Arizona – get out and vote for [Abe Hamadeh],” Abdelaziz had stated on X in November 2024. “Take someone with you.”

The two share more than a political alignment. Hamadeh, the son of Syrian immigrants, is the first Arab American elected to Congress from Arizona, a heritage he has in common with Abdelaziz, who is of Egyptian descent. President Trump, who endorsed Hamadeh during his 2022 attorney general run and again for his 2024 congressional bid, has called him an “America First Patriot.” Hamadeh won the election to Arizona’s 8th congressional district in November 2024, defeating Democratic nominee Gregory Whitten.

Their meeting comes right after the card for UFC White House was revealed during UFC 326. The event will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 80th birthday. While Makhachev won’t be part of the event, dubbed UFC Freedom 250, Justin Gaethje, who is also managed by Abdelaziz, will face Ilia Topuria for the latter’s first title defense.

Regardless, on Monday, Abdelaziz also appeared to have visited the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 

“Amazing Iftar at the Kennedy Center today,” he wrote on X while sharing a picture, addressing people from the podium. “Thank you, @RichardGrenell for Host[ing] our Muslim community and the Arab Americans.”

Abdelaziz’s meeting with Hamadeh also comes weeks after he made an announcement for Islam Makhachev.

Islam Makhachev is headed for a big UFC fight

Ian Machado Garry has been among the slew of names speculated to face Islam Makhachev next for the welterweight title. But that idea has now been dismissed. Garry even took a swipe at the champion. 

“I’m ready… He needs more time,” Garry claimed. “Imagine being the number one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet and needing MORE time.”

However, Abdelaziz quickly shut that down and teased something far more significant. 

“This is, I can tell you, the UFC is working on a big fight for Islam Makhachev, and Ian’s name is not involved,” he said. “Much bigger. One of the biggest fights in the UFC right now they can make. Stay tuned.”

The biggest fight for Makhachev is against Ilia Topuria. However, since ‘El Matador’ is set to defend his title against ‘The Highlight,’ that can’t be the fight Abdelaziz was talking about. And with Garry out of the picture, Michael Morales or Kamaru Usman could be the next man to stand across from Makhachev. 

As for now, Islam Makhachev’s manager must be winding down back in Las Vegas, where he lives. But what did you think of his meeting with Congressman Abe Hamadeh?