“It’s One of Those Things”: UFC Legend Reveals the Truth Behind Khabib Nurmagomedov’s “Heir” Islam Makhachev’s Next Title Defense

Islam Makhachev was able to rise to heights after defending his lightweight title against the featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev is one of the top fighters on the UFC roster. Hence, the UFC does not want Makhachev to go for any small fights at the moment. After the glorious victory against ‘Volk’, fans are waiting for the Russian fighter’s next bout. However, it seems that Makhachev needs some time off from fighting. As per recent reports, the lightweight champion won’t fight in any UFC bouts until the promotion travels to Abu Dhabi, UAE, towards the end of the year.

Makhachev took his initial training in MMA from Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Both ‘the Eagle’ and Makhachev are more like brothers, and the retired UFC legend used to be there at Makhachev’s corner when he fought. According to Sonnen, the “heir” of Nurmagomedov is now waiting for the big fights as per the instructions from the promotion.

What are the UFC and Islam Makhachev waiting for?

The former UFC fighter, Chael Sonnen, was talking on ‘The Schaub Show’ with the MMA fighter turned YouTuber Brendan Schaub. During the conversation, Sonnen talked about how the UFC plans a lot before making a matchup. Now the promotion wants Makhachev to fight in Abu Dhabi as he has many fans back in the UAE.

Sonnen said, “The whole reason that Islam is sitting out and waiting for Fight Island is one of those things. This is the guy that we want. This is the heir apparent to Khabib, who is our hero. Bring him out here. Maybe Khabib will corner him.

He added, “It’s one of those things and that’s okay that’s their business but it’s also something that we need to observe if we’re sitting here we’re trying to make our guesses and hedge our bets.” Sonnen also indicated that there is a possibility for ‘The Eagle’ to join the corner in Abu Dhabi.

Who would Makhachev fight next?

In a new interview, Makhachev was talking to John McCarthy and Josh Thomson, and he detailed the UFC’s demands. The promotion wants him to rest until they call him to Abu Dhabi. Makhachev would most likely fight against the winner between Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush in his upcoming bout at Abu Dhabi.

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Their bout will take place on June 10 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. The UFC lightweight champion has already mentioned who he wants to fight next. Among Oliveira and Dariush, Makhachev wants to fight against Dariush. At the moment, the fans need to hold their breath and wait to find out who Makhachev’s next opponent will be.

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