Ali Abdelaziz says Islam Makhachev is ‘chasing legacy’ by moving up to welterweight | ESPN MMA
- Posted by renan on May 15, 2025
- 12 views
ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto interviews the CEO of Dominance MMA Management, Ali Abdelaziz, about Islam Makhachev vacating his UFC lightweight title to move up to welterweight. They also discuss Justin Gaethje not being included in the fight for the now vacation 155-pound belt as well as what’s next for Magomed Ankalaev, Aaron Pico, Movsar Evloev, Belal Muhammad and more.
0:00 Intro
0:40 Islam vacating title
3:18 Rather see him fight Ilia?
5:48 Will Makhachev ever return to 155?
8:48 How long could Islam keep fighting?
10:04 Islam will fight for belt regardless of JDM availability
11:11 What’s next for Justin Gaethje?
13:53 Magomed Ankalaev wants to be called “Big Ank”
15:59 Movsar Evloev
17:40 Aaron Pico
19:34 Belal Muhammad
24:10 Kayla Harrison
29:45 Doubts Amanda Nunes returns if Harrison wins
30:14 Patchy Mix
31:56 Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales
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