"Peak delusion" - Fans slam Ali Abdelaziz for predicting Islam Makhachev would beat Alex Pereira in a rather hypothetical fight at 205 pounds

Islam Makhachev's controversial manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has just drawn the ire of fans on X/Twitter. While discussing a hypothetical fight between the UFC lightweight champion and Alex Pereira, who reigns as the promotion's light heavyweight titleholder, Abdelaziz favored Makhachev.

This is despite the enormous difference in size and strength between 155-pounders and 205-pounders, regardless of the difference in grappling skill between Makhachev and Pereira. Unfortunately, his confidence in Makhachev wasn't shared by fans on X/Twitter.

Many flocked to form a thread under the tweet, expressing their disbelief over Abdelaziz's claim. Many objected to the Dominance MMA manager's statement, with one fan claiming it was the subject of wishful thinking.

"Peak delusion"

Others poked fun at the absurdity of Abdelaziz's take, issuing an even more hyperbolic statement.

"I actually think he could beat Jones and Aspniall back to back in the same night and finish both of them"

Meanwhile, one fan offered a reminder that one of Makhachev's toughest fights was against a featherweight in Alexander Volkanovski.

"He lost to a 145er"

More fans issued humorous, hyperbolic claims in response to Abdelaziz.

"Can't wait for Makhachev vs Aspinall in 2026"

A collage of fan reactions can be seen below:

Fan reactiions to Ali Abdelaziz predicting Islam Makhachev vs. Alex Pereira

Makhachev is currently scheduled to defend his lightweight title at UFC 311, where he faces Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch of their UFC Fight Night 149 bout, which Makhachev won via unanimous decision. Nevertheless, Tsarukyan gave a good account of himself, especially as he fought on short-notice in his UFC debut.

Regardless, Makhachev's potential in the sport remains a larger talking point, with other members of his entourage besides Abdelaziz believing him capable of conquering other divisions.

---

Belal Muhammad believes Islam Makhachev can beat Dricus Du Plessis

In a manner similar to Ali Abdelaziz's belief that Islam Makhachev can beat light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira, UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad opined that the Dagestani star can dethrone Dricus Du Plessis as the promotion's middleweight champion.

"I think he'll beat du Plessis. I think he is a better all-around fighter. He's strong enough to compete with du Plessis. He can definitely do it if he wants to be a double champ."

Check out Belal Muhammad predicting Islam Makhachev vs. Dricus Du Plessis:

Muhammad's take on a hypothetical Makhachev vs. Du Plessis bout led to a brief feud between him and the South African phenom. However, it subsequently died down, and now Makhachev has somehow become a talking point at light heavyweight.