Islam Makhachev denies Dana White and insists he did not refuse fight with Rafael dos Anjos

I. Makhachev in a post-ufc vegas 49. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

One of the main controversies that preceded the UFC 272, last week, was the definition of the new opponent of Rafael dos Anjos after Raphael Fiziev test positive for Covid-19. Islam makhachev He even accepted the fight through a post on social media, but, according to Dana White, he turned down the opportunity behind the scenes. In the end, the chosen one was also Brazilian Renato Moicano.

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In an interview with the North American “ESPN”, Islam makhachev tried to clarify what had happened. The Russian stated that it was he, through his manager, who approached the UFC to replace Fiziev, but revealed that he had a “small condition” denied by the organization.

“I just wanted to help the UFC, for the fans, for everyone, because it was a pay-per-view card, a big event. I only asked for one small condition, but the UFC said no, and that's it,” said Makhachev.

Islam makhachev was present at the T-Mobile Arena to watch the UFC 272 and accompany some training partners who performed at the event. The Russian was not impressed with the performance of Rafael dos Anjos in victory over Renato Moicano.

“Anyway, I sat and watched the fight. Dos Anjos is not my level of fighter. What can he give me? If I beat him, they'll say I beat an old man who isn't in the top 5. Now Dana says I have to face (Beneil) Dariush. I have no problem facing him, but who will fight for the belt next?”, asked the Russian.

Finally, Dariush once again denied Dana White and stated that he is willing to face anyone, as he intends to be champion of the division.

"I don't know. He (Dana White) can say whatever he wants, but it doesn't matter. I will face anyone because I will be champion and I will face all these guys in the top 10 and I will beat them all”, he concluded.