Makhachev's manager continues campaign and indicates possible opponent for lightweight champion

Islam makhachev defended the belt in UFC 311. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

First champion to defend the belt in 2025, by beating Renato Moicano No. UFC 311, in January, Islam makhachev still doesn't know who will be the next title challenger. While names like Ilia Topuria e Charles of the Bronx have already started campaigning for the challenger position, Ali Abdelaziz, the Russian's manager, has another plan in mind.

In a post on the social network 'X' (formerly Twitter) on the evening of last Monday (14), the famous businessman praised the struggles of UFC 314, held last Saturday (12) and took the opportunity to continue with the campaign so that Justin gaethje be the next challenger for the lightweight champion.

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“Last week had some incredibly exciting fights, but this one would be a different level of excitement,” the manager posted, along with a photo comparing Makhachev and Gaethje’s numbers.

Last week was unbelievably exciting fights, but this is different level of excitement pic.twitter.com/JoV2aaGFS6

- Ali Abdelaziz (@ AliAbdelaziz00) April 15, 2025

Interestingly, or not, both Islam makhachev, how much Justin gaethje have their careers managed by Ali Abdelaziz.

Former interim champion and two-time challenger for the linear lightweight belt, Justin gaethje currently occupies third place in the lightweight rankings, behind Charles of the Bronx e Arman Tsarukyan. The American has three wins in his last four fights and is coming off a rematch victory against Raphael Fiziev No. UFC 313, in March.