Khabib Nurmagomedov confirms date for next Islam Makhachev fight

Islam makhachev e Khabib Nurmagomedov They are icons in the UFC lightweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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After months of speculation, the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) appears to have a clear direction. According to the former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam makhachev will defend his belt early next year.

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“The UFC has already offered us a fight in January. We accepted. They will announce very soon where it will take place and who Islam’s opponent will be. I will not make any announcement personally, but I can say that we are focused on January,” Nurmagomedov said in an interview with the Russian channel Ushatayka on YouTube.

Apparently, the opponent will be Arman Tsarukyan. The Armenian comes from victory over Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 300 and initially a dispute was expected in 2024. However, this possibility was not possible because Makhachev injured his hand during his last fight, against Dustin poirier.

Islam makhachev in face with Arman Tsarukyan. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Taking January as a parameter, the belt dispute will probably take place in UFC 311, with no date or location yet set. Although the champion already has a victory over Tsarukyan, Nurmagomedov said he believes the category has several prospects to challenge his training partner.

“This sport is growing very fast. There are a lot of young guys coming up. There will always be good opponents for Islam. He is not just a champion now. Now he is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world,” Khabib concluded.

Islam makhachev

The next fight of Islam makhachev could be historic. The Russian has 14 consecutive victories in the organization, and if he wins, he will tie with Kamaru Usman in second position. Ahead of the Dagestani would be only Anderson Silva, with 16 triumphs. In addition, another successful fight would make him the champion with the most defenses in UFC history, passing B.J. Penn, Ben henderson, and the self Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrates victory Islam makhachev No. UFC 284. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram