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The UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has criticized the upcoming Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway fight at UFC 300, calling it unnecessary on social media, leading to doubts about the promotion’s decision. Makhachev’s team raised concerns, suggesting Gaethje as a potential title contender.
Makhachev, aiming for a title defense in 2024, has been eager to fight three times this year but has not secured any matchups yet. With top contenders like Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Arman Tsarukyan set to compete at UFC 300, Makhachev turned to Dustin Poirier as a potential opponent for a fight in June. Had Gaethje passed on fighting Holloway, could he have faced Makhachev in June instead?
Taking on Holloway is undoubtedly a challenge.
However, Holloway and others from Hawaii dispute Makhachev’s comments. Holloway mentioned that Makhachev had enough time to return to action since his knockout win over Alexander Volkanovskiy in October 2023. Holloway highlighted how Volkanovskiy, despite being knocked out, managed to return to the octagon in February.
Holloway commented, “I saw comments from Makhachev about this fight not making sense. I mean, Makhachev should have faced Justin in February.” Holloway added, “Why did Volkanovskiy, whom you knocked out, return to fight so quickly in February? If Makhachev truly wanted to fight, he could have fought in February. It doesn’t make sense to have someone coming off a brutal KO loss fight again in February.”
He continued, stating, “It’s not that Makhachev can’t fight, but rather that he chooses not to take certain fights due to various reasons. If he truly wanted to fight, he would have stepped up in February. It wouldn’t make sense to have someone who just suffered a knockout fight again so soon.”
Given Holloway’s desire to fight frequently and his goal of claiming the lightweight title, a win for him at UFC 300 could lead to another fight in just two months.
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