Veteran manager, Ali Abdelaziz has stunningly revealed that a potential fight between his clients and long-time friends, Islam Makhachev and Kamaru Usman is a real possibility in the near future — particularly if both prevail in their next matchups.
Makhachev, who is set to make a welterweight debut later this year, will vacate his undisputed lightweight crown at UFC 317 at the end of next month during International Fight Week.
And with a view to making a welterweight bow against new champion, Jack Della Malladena, Russian star, Makhachev will see former-foe, Charles Oliveira take on his bitter enemy, Ilia Topuria for the championship he will imminently vacate.
As for Usman, the former welterweight kingpin and pound-for-pound number one will make his long-anticipated return to action at UFC Fight Night Atlanta next month, too — as he looks to snap a three-fight skid against emerging contender, Joaquin Buckley.
Ali Abdelaziz plays up Islam Makhachev, Kamaru Usman title fight
Hoping to push for one final title push before handing up his gloves, Usman may get his wish with a win over Buckley, according to Abdelaziz, who insists he would not prevent him and his fellow client, Islam Makhachev from fighting in the immediate future.
“”He’s the greatest welterweight of all time,” Ali Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie of Usman. “He’s Dana White’s favorite fighter. Dana loves Kamaru Usman, 100 percent. Like, they have a very unique relationship. Listen, Kamaru is one of the biggest names in the division.
“Guess what? If Kamaru wins, [and] Islam Makhachev wins, they want to fight, I’m going to stay home, and I’m going to be watching from home. You know, I can see this fight happening too. But listen, Buckley’s tough, he’s been on a good run, and you have to kind of focus on Buckley first before you think anything else.”
