Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Champion Russian Islam Makhachev said that he did not accept the offer to compete under the UAE flag. His words are quoted “Match TV”.
“Was it suggested that I go to fights representing the UAE? It really was. After the first fight, they offered me to represent the Emirates, they said that we represent Russia, we live there, and this issue was never raised again,” he said.
In other words, Russian origin fighter Khamzat Chimaev, who represents Sweden in the tournaments, will now appear in the ring under the UAE flag. He will face Kamaru Usman in his next fight.
On February 12, Makhachev defeated Australian Alex Volkanovski by unanimous decision after five rounds at the UFC-284 tournament in Perth. For the Russian, this victory was the 24th victory with a single loss in his professional career. This is Makhachev’s first title defense. In total, he had 25 fights in his career, winning 24 and suffering only one defeat.
Makhachev is scheduled to defend his title in his fight against Charles Oliveira on October 21. However, the Brazilian player was injured in training and will be replaced by Volkanovski.
Previously Makhachev statedno longer respects UFC ratings.