Makhachev's manager reveals offer to fight in January and points to potential challengers for the UFC title.

Islam makhachev in victory against Jack Della Maddalena. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Islam makhachev It was in Ultimate's plans to lead the start of billion dollar partnership between the organization and Paramount. The Russian won the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg) by winning Jack Della Maddalena No. UFC 322, held in November. However, according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz, the champion even considered a comeback as early as January.

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Abdelaziz revealed that the UFC contacted him to offer him a Islam makhachev the main fight of an event earlier in the year. The manager stated that the Russian considered the offer, but was ultimately discouraged by Khabib NurmagomedovAli added that names such Kamaru Usman e Ian Gary These were among the possibilities discussed by the organization for that date.

“Even the UFC contacted me; they were asking for Islam to headline a fight in January. He thought about it, and Khabib said, ‘Hey, shut up.’ Honestly, Kamaru’s name was among the options for January. The name of…” Ian Gary "It was also on the table," said Ali Abdelaziz.

Ali Abdelaziz points to Kamaru Usman as the leading candidate to face Islam Makhachev.

A. Abdelaziz (right) manages the career of K. Usman (right) and other MMA stars. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Although he did not accept the offer to return to the octagon in January, Islam makhachev He may already have his next opponent defined, at least that's what Ali Abdelaziz plans. The businessman stated that he will do everything possible to put him in a position to play. Kamaru Usman as the first challenger for the title recently won by the Russian.

"Kamaru Usman He did a lot for this company. I'm going to campaign for him to get a title fight… What a *** Ian Gary What have they done in the last two years? Kamaru Usman He's a legend... he received an offer to fight Shavkat last November and accepted. Kamaru Usman He is one of the biggest names in the division. When you are Islam makhachev"You want to leave a legacy with your name on it," the businessman stated.

Ali Abdelaziz is the business partner of Islam Makhachev and Kamaru Usman.

There at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

The choice of Kamaru Usman as the first challenger of Islam makhachev There may be motivations that go beyond the Nigerian's merits inside the octagon. In addition to representing the Dagestani champion, Ali Abdelaziz also manages Usman's career, which naturally facilitates contract negotiations with the UFC.

Retired from MMA with a record of one win and three losses, Abdelaziz built his reputation outside the cage. At the helm of the Dominance MMA agency, he manages the careers of several prominent names in the UFC, including... Islam makhachev, Kamaru Usman, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Magomed Ankalayev, Justin gaethje, Henry Cejudo and Gilbert 'Durinho', among others.

Dana White announces the main fights for UFC 324 and UFC 325.

Dana White during a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Without Islam makhachevThe Ultimate went ahead and announced the main fights of the event. UFC 324 e UFC 325, scheduled for January 24th and 31st, respectively. For the events that inaugurate the billion-dollar partnership with Paramount, the organization gifted fans with three title fights.

No UFC 324, are scheduled Paddy Pimblett x Justin gaethje, in a duel valid for the interim lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg), in addition to the return of Amanda nunes against Kayla harrison for the women's bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg). Already in UFC 325, Alexander Volkanovsky defends the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg) against Diego lopes.