UFC champ Islam Makhachev dismisses Max Holloway matchup

UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev doesn’t assume it’s the proper time to combat former featherweight champ Max Holloway.

Holloway (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC) knocked out Justin Gaethje with a historic last-second end at UFC 300, eliminating “The Spotlight” from the 155-pound title race.

Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) defends his title in opposition to Dustin Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) within the UFC 302 major occasion June 1 at Prudential Middle in Newark, N.J. His focus is on Poirier then Arman Tsarukyan, who cemented himself as No. 1 contender by beating Charles Oliveira.

“If he beats a pair extra guys in my division, we are able to combat,” Makhachev mentioned in an interview with the New York Submit. “I don’t wish to give him probability now as a result of I’ve some contenders who I’ve to beat. Now I’ve Dustin; after we have now Arman. I feel I’ve some job in my division; he has job in his division. Possibly if he wins his subsequent combat. Possibly he beats (Ilia) Topuria, and I end all my two fights, perhaps.”

If it had been as much as Makhachev, he would transfer as much as welterweight to problem Leon Edwards – a combat that was supplied to him at UFC 300. Makhachev declined as he would have needed to prep for the combat whereas observing Ramadan.

“My dream combat, I’ve to combat within the subsequent division, 170,” Makhachev mentioned. “I’ve to combat Leon Edwards. I already gave an opportunity to fighters at 145. That’s why I would like my probability at a second belt. …Actually, I don’t have any thrilling fights, as a result of Dustin has simply one-fight win streak.

“And we have now Arman, however I already beat this man. I don’t have some job in my division, for my part, actually. And I feel I’ve an opportunity. They’ve to provide me the prospect for a second belt as a result of I already beat the outdated guys.”

For extra on the playing cards, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 302.