Makhachev celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Ali Abdelaziz has already decided who will be Islam Makhachev 's first challenger in the welterweight division (up to 77 kg). After defeating Jack Della Maddalena and winning his second UFC belt, the Dagestani fighter has seen a line of potential challengers forming. Even so, his manager isn't hiding the champion's next fight.
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In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ali Abdelaziz made it clear that Kamaru Usman should be the next name in Islam Makhachev 's path , asking for calm from the other contenders for the belt.
"Usman is next, everyone needs to relax," wrote Ali Abdelaziz.
Usman is next everyone needs to relax
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) November 25, 2025
Ali Abdelaziz is the business partner of Islam Makhachev and Kamaru Usman.
There at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
The choice of Kamaru Usman as Islam Makhachev 's first challenger may have motivations that go beyond the Nigerian's merits inside the octagon. Besides representing the Dagestani champion, Ali Abdelaziz is also responsible for managing Usman's career, which naturally facilitates any contractual negotiations with the UFC.
Retired from MMA with a record of one win and three losses, Abdelaziz built his reputation outside the cage. At the helm of the Dominance MMA agency, he manages the careers of several prominent UFC names, including Islam Makhachev , Kamaru Usman , Khabib Nurmagomedov , Magomed Ankalaev , Justin Gaethje , Henry Cejudo , and Gilbert Burns , among others.
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