Ali Abdelaziz claims Islam Makhachev can beat Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Alex Pereira, and other top fighters: "Greatest fighter alive"

Ali Abdelaziz, manager of Islam Makhachev, has boldly claimed the Russian lightweight champion is the greatest living fighter on the planet. On top of that, he even believes Makhachev would have no issue defeating the likes of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in a fight.

Makhachev is set to put Abdelaziz's comments to the test this weekend when he faces fan favorite Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 302. The bout marks the third time Makhachev will be putting 155-pound title on the line, and he faces an opponent who is desperate to finally secure undisputed status.

Ahead of Makhachev's bout against Poirier, the Dominance MMA CEO spoke to Grind City Media's John Morgan about his client and the legacy he and other Dagestani fighters are leaving on MMA.

According to Abdelaziz, Islam Makhachev is undoubtedly the best fighter on the planet, and he is confident he would have no issue putting away other elite talent. He also believes that once Makhachev's time is up, another Dagestani fighter will take over the mantle as the GOAT of fighting. He explained:

"After Islam, Omar [Nurmagomedov] will become a champion, after him, Usman [Nurmagomedov] will become a champion. These guys complete each other's legacy, no jealousy. It's us, it's brotherhood."

He continued:

"Now it's Islam time...Islam Makhachev is the greatest fighter living in combat sports, he's the pound for pound king. He can beat, Usyk's a**, Tyson Fury's a**...I believe Makhachev can beat the welterweight champ, the middleweight champ right now. He might even beat Alex Pereira right now too."

Catch Ali Abdelaziz's comments here (5:10):

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Islam Makhachev opens up on possibility of facing Conor McGregor in the future

Islam Makhachev has shared his thoughts on potentially facing Conor McGregor in the near future.

The UFC lightweight champion recently spoke to ESPN MMA ahead of his UFC 302 bout against Dustin Poirier, and was asked for his take on the Irishman and any potential future clash. While the 32-year-old doesn't believe 'The Notorious' is close to his level in the octagon, it's certainly a fight he wouldn't turn down. He said:

"We in the different level right now. Beat him, make good money and that's it, but I don't think he's a my level fighter."

Makhachev also posed the idea of coaching against McGregor on the Ultimate Fighter with a Team versus Team scenario:

"Team versus team is gonna be more interesting because already Khabib beat him in the cage, beat his corner. But team versus team, maybe we can make Ultimate Fighter."

Catch Islam Makhachev's comments here (8:25):