Top Five Reasons Why the Highly Anticipated Super-Fight Between Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev is Unlikely to Take Place in the UFC, According to Makhachev’s Manager
The MMA world has been buzzing recently with talk of a potential super-fight between Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev. With Makhachev relinquishing his lightweight title for a shot at 170 lbs gold and Chimaev conquering the middleweight division in a dominant fashion at UFC 319, fans can’t help but dream about what could be the next historic UFC showdown. Despite the hype and media speculation, Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has been quick to pour cold water on those dreams, outlining several reasons why this super-fight is unlikely to ever materialize in the Octagon.
1. Size Difference Is a Huge Obstacle
According to Abdelaziz, the most glaring issue is a simple one: Khamzat Chimaev is “too big”. “I don’t think he can ever make welterweight,” said Abdelaziz. While Chimaev started his UFC career at welterweight, he’s now comfortably ruling as a middleweight champion. The substantial jump in weight classes makes a fair matchup between the two truly difficult.
2. Division Commitments and Fairness
Abdelaziz emphasized that both fighters have unfinished business in their respective divisions. While Makhachev is focused on a welterweight showdown with Jack Della Maddalena (a fight Abdelaziz describes as a “done deal”), Chimaev still has a list of hungry contenders to defend his middleweight crown against. “Khamzat has so many contenders to clean out in the division before even thinking about moving to a different weight division,” Abdelaziz said, pressing the importance of fairness to other fighters.
3. Regional Ties and Respect Between Fighters
Both Makhachev and Chimaev hail from the same geographic region and have connections that run deeper than professional rivalry. Makhachev himself noted he doesn’t want any trouble between their people, suggesting mutual respect and shared roots may be a barrier for such high-profile infighting. “These guys, they know each other… from the same region,” Abdelaziz highlighted, making it clear the fight isn’t just about money or titles.
4. Lack of Clear Motivation for Both Sides
Despite Chimaev’s claims that beating Makhachev would make him the #1 pound-for-pound fighter, motivation for both is questionable. Makhachev responded to the callout with a simple “we’ll see,” making it clear his attention is elsewhere for now. Both camps seem more focused on solidifying their legacies within their own weight brackets.
5. Managerial Dismissal: “This Fight Will Never Happen”
Perhaps the most definitive nail in the coffin comes straight from the top. “This fight will never happen,” Abdelaziz bluntly stated on Submission Radio. He sees no logic or incentive behind such a matchup, at least in the near future.
Other Perspectives and Expert Opinions
While Abdelaziz stands firm, MMA fans and pundits are still divided. Some believe the UFC’s interest in blockbuster events, and the sport’s unpredictable nature, could eventually bring the two stars together. Others side with Abdelaziz, noting the organizational and physical hurdles are just too much for now. The UFC’s recent trends, including international recruitment and contract controversies (see here), only add more uncertainty to high-profile matchmaking.
UFC’s Business Dynamics May Play a Role
Don’t forget, the UFC’s priorities are often driven by numbers, pay-per-view buys, and mainstream appeal (read more here). Still, in this case, logistical and personal reasons seem to outweigh business temptation, at least according to the men on the inside.
Source: bloodyelbow.com
