Max Holloway accuses Islam Makhachev of running away from fight with former champion at the beginning of the year

Islam makhachev at a press conference at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC

One of the highlights of UFC 300, Max Holloway harshly criticized the Russian Islam makhachev. On the former Ultimate fighter's podcast Demetrious Johnson, the Hawaiian fighter said that Khabib's pupil cannot complain about inactivity and accused the lightweight champion (under 70,3kg) of 'running away' from a duel against Justin gaethje in February this year.

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“Islam you should have fought Justin (Gaethje) in February! Why did the guy you knocked out come back quickly to fight in February and you didn't? You should have fought in February. Everyone knew that you cannot fight in Ramadan. You're complaining like, 'I can't fight.' I’m like, you only fight when you want to fight,” Holloway said.

Makhachev's last fight took place at UFC 284, held in October 2023, in Abu Dhabi (UAE). On that occasion, the lightweight champion once again beat the holder of the featherweight belt Alexander Volkanovsky by brutally knocking out the Australian in the first round.

If Makhachev 'refused' the duel with Gaethje, the 'Blessed One' did not shy away from the clash and agreed to measure forces with the current owner of the 'BMF' (More Thick-Skinned) belt. The two fighters will face off on the historic card of the UFC 300, which will take place on April 13th, at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas (USA).