The UFC is already planning Islam Makhachev’s next fight, according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz. Elsewhere, fans are wondering if promotional negotiations with Jon Jones aren’t going well.
Here are the top martial arts rumors of the week, brought to you by Sportskeeda MMA.
Is Islam Makhachev vs. Ilya Topria next?
Ilya Topria wrote a cryptic response after Islam Makhachev’s dominant first-round victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 311 on Saturday night. The tweet hinted that the two would meet in the Octagon soon.
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“Islam, if I want, I can finish you. If I want, I can knock you out. I’ll make it look easy. See you soon.” Sho.”
Topuria followed up with a winking emoji, teasing fans into believing the fight was on.
The rumors are also fueled by Makhachev’s desire to become a double or even triple UFC champion before retiring.
MMA fans and fan accounts began posting about the potential fight and discussing how it would go. Some liken this to the infamous rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor, as Makhachev is Nurmagomedov’s friend and protégé, while Topuria displays a similar personality to the Irishman.
UFC may have completely different plans for Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has poured cold water on rumors of a fight with Ilya Topria, but in the world of mixed martial arts a “never say never” approach is always a good policy to take.
Abdelaziz, who spoke to X the day after Makhachev’s win, said the UFC already has plans for the Dagestan fight that doesn’t include Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan or Ilya Topria. However, that doesn’t mean it’s set in stone.
Oliveira has already called for a rematch with Makhachev.
Dana White made it clear that Tsarukyan would not be immediately rebooked after his last-minute exit from UFC 311, but the Armenian took it very sportingly.
Abdelaziz also added that Makhachev is considering a fight against Justin Gaethje or Benel Dariush, who he hasn’t faced yet.
Will Conor McGregor be the next President of Ireland?
A few months ago, ahead of the 2024 Irish election, Conor McGregor began tweeting frequently about his country’s politics. He even claimed that he would eventually run for office once the fight was over.
The Irishman recently appeared at Donald Trump’s victory rally in Washington DC ahead of his inauguration, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in world politics. This reignited rumors on social media that he would be Ireland’s next leader.
In an interview with the Daily Wire at the event, he was asked by a reporter to comment on the issue. McGregor simply said:
“we will see.”
However, in another video posted by a fan who met and shook McGregor’s hand at the event, the UFC star is seen admitting that he does in fact intend to run for president of Ireland.
UFC and Jon Jones negotiations likely won’t go well
Fans believe Dana White’s declaration of Islam Makhachev as his new pound-for-pound fighter indicates a rift with Jon Jones.
Until last Saturday, White was praising ‘Bones’ at every opportunity and was adamant that he would name no one else as his all-time great MMA go-to. Makhachev’s performance at UFC 311 was impressive, but fans think it may take more than that to change the CEO’s mind.
Journalist Peter Carroll floated his thoughts on X, suggesting that negotiations with Jones regarding the Tom Aspinall fight may not be progressing as expected.
Some fans agreed with Carroll’s views, but others argued that it was a temporary feeling and not that important. Another theory speculated that White was trying to light the fire on Jones to get him back to fight Aspinall.
Khamzat Chimaev’s next fight
This is a story straight from the horse’s mouth, so it’s not really a rumor.
During the UFC 311 post-fight press conference, Dana White said that Khamzat Chimaev could potentially face the winner of Driskus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland.
However, Boltz has previously faced issues regarding his health and international travel, which could make it difficult for promotions to book him.
Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrence Crawford may finally date
According to a Mike Coppinger report later shared by Turki Alarcik-backed Ring Magazine, a Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrence Crawford deal is almost done.
Rumors have been circulating for years that the two boxers are fighting. Alvarez’s super-middleweight world title is on the line, and the contest will likely end in September 2025 at 168 pounds. There is reportedly no hydration clause.
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Edited by Anwesha Nag
