Ali Abdelaziz's astounding revelation on UFC's plan for Islam Makhachev's next fight triggers speculations: "Now I gotta root against Belal Muhammad"

Ali Abdelaziz's remarks about Islam Makhachev's future have sparked speculations from MMA fans worldwide. Many people linked Makhachev with featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, and other fighters.

Abdelaziz recently took to X and stated UFC's plans with Makhachev. According to the MMA manager, the promotion has a different route for the reigning lightweight champion that excludes Arman Tsarukyan, Topuria, and former champion Charles Oliveira.

''The UFC has a completely different plan for Islam which doesn’t include Oliveira, Arman or Ilia. But it’s an unpredictable sport and you don’t know what could happen.''

Fans soon rushed to the comments section to share their reactions.

One fan wrote:

''Now I gotta root against Belal, so be it.''

Another one stated:

''To be honest he can have super fights without having to go for title. There are fights like Usman at WW. Go up to WW and he can build himself up for one or 2 fights by then either Belal vacates or loses and Islam can go for the title shot.''

Other fans wrote:

''If DDP beats Strickland, Islam vs DDP next.''

''It's Makhachev vs Belal!! Whenever Makhachev talks about being a double champ, coward Belal joins the Khabib camp or will start talking about “brotherhood”. Makhachev really want that WW belt but this guy is acting like his friend realising that Makhachev is a real threat.''

Check out more reactions below:

Fan reactions [Screenshots courtesy: @AliAbdelaziz00 on X]

Makhachev recently defeated Renato Moicano, who filled in for Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on short notice, via first-round submission to earn his fourth title defense, surpassing his close friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov.

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Islam Makhachev wishes to be a triple champ, calls out Dricus du Plessis

Islam Makhachev has previously stated his desire to advance to welterweight to become a double champion. However, Belal Muhammad currently owns that title, and considering their close relationship, it seems unlikely that the two would ever face one another.

Makhachev reiterated his demands for a second title at the UFC 311 post-fight news conference. He even called out Dricus du Plessis, saying he wants to be a three-division champion.

''I don’t know when (my move to welterweight) is gonna happen but I will not leave this sport without a second belt, I need the second belt to be. After (I can be called) the greatest or something but right now I need to be double champ...I can be three division (champion) also. Just give me the chance, that’s it. I will fight with (Dricus) Du Plessis, give me the chance, I will fight him also. I swear if Dana White sends me the contract, I will fight him also.'' [H/t: BJ Penn]

Check out the full interview below: