Islam Makhachev’s manager explains abandonment of duel against Ilia Topuria
In brief
- Ali Abdelaziz nie un refus de Makhachev.
- He accuses Ilia Topuria of having blocked the fight.
- The superfight remains possible, but uncertain.
MMA – Ali Abdelaziz, the sulphurous manager of Islam Makhachev, breaks the silence on the aborted fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.
For several days, a rumor had been gaining momentum. According to the latter, Islam Makhachev (28-1) would have refused to confront Ilia Topuria (17-0) in the main event of the card planned at the White House.
However, the reality seems very different. Asked by TMZ, Ali Abdelazizmanager of the Dagestani, cut short speculation. For him, this fight never really existed. The discussions stopped before they even started.
« I received a call about Ilia’s fight against Islam. It was the middle of the day, Islam was asleep, and I was excited.”. Then everything suddenly stopped. “After that, I was reminded: “Forget it, the fight will not take place. » Avant même que je parle à Islam ».
Furthermore, the champion would therefore not have never had the chance to refuse anything. Abdelaziz insisted on this point. Contrary to rumors, Khabib’s protégé never refused.
A big money problem
Very quickly, the manager directed the discussion towards another avenue. According to him, Ilia Topuria played a key role in the failure of the fight. Without saying it directly, Abdelaziz suggested that financial requirements were a problem.
He even relaunched the debate on the real intentions of the fighter. “I believe that the fight between Ilia and Islam is the most important fight that the UFC can organize. I think this fight should take place this year. But deep down, does Ilia really want him? ».
At the same time, Topuria will first have to pass Justin Gaethje for title unification lightweights. A context which would have made the negotiations even more complex.
Ultimately, the blockage did not come from the Makhachev camp. At the same time, he also defended the upcoming event. According to him, the planned menu would remain exceptionaldespite certain absences.
A superfight simply postponed?
Despite this failure, all does not seem lost. Ali Abdelaziz remained convinced that this fight would eventually see the light of day. The sporting and media interest was obvious. Between two champions at the top, the poster had everything fight of the year, even of the decade.
However, as is often the case in the UFC, timing and negotiations deprive the public of what he wants to see. So, for the moment, everyone continued on their way. Ilia Topuria will focus on its unification, while Islam Makhachev expected to return during the summer.
