Former world boxing champion Alexander Povetkin in comments “Sports Express” The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion responded to fans’ criticism following his remarks about Islam Makhachev.
At the beginning of October, Povetkin said that he only supported Russian fighters and did not know Makhachev.
“I don’t like making excuses. I said it like I said it. You see, I have a lot of Russian friends who fight. They asked me specifically about Makhachev. I know there is such a fighter, but I don’t follow him. Why do people start talking nonsense… I have a lot of friends, Chechens , Azeris and Dagestanis, I still communicate with men. Everyone starts to distort things in their own way, but I don’t pay attention to it, I don’t care,” said Povetkin.
Makhachev won the UFC lightweight championship by defeating Brazilian Charles Oliveira in the second round on October 22, 2022.
On February 12, Makhachev defeated Alex Volkanovski by unanimous decision after five rounds at UFC 284 in Perth. For the Russian, this victory was the 24th victory with a single loss in his professional career.
On October 21, Makhachev will meet Volkanovski at UFC 294. Makhachev was originally scheduled to fight Oliveira but withdrew from the fight due to injury.
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