The Plot Thickens: Is Islam Makhachev's Manager Manipulating the System?
In the world of MMA, a controversial theory is brewing, and it involves the newly crowned Welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev, and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz. Let's dive into this intriguing narrative.
Andrew Richardson, a professional fighter and expert analyst, brings us the latest scoop from the MMAmania.com team. Former UFC Welterweight champ, Belal Muhammad, has an interesting take on the future of the division. He's not convinced that Kamaru Usman, the former great, should be next in line for a title shot against Makhachev.
The Welterweight division is buzzing with talent. Along with Makhachev's impressive win over Jack Della Maddalena, two other contenders, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, delivered massive knockouts on the same night. This rising generation of fighters has created a highly competitive landscape, yet the question remains: who will Makhachev face next?
Makhachev himself has expressed a desire to fight Usman, but Muhammad sees a different agenda at play. He believes there's a scheme to set up an "easier" title fight for Makhachev, benefiting his manager, who also represents Usman.
"When I look at the Welterweight scene, I ask who deserves the shot. Michael Morales has certainly earned it," Muhammad said. "But we're witnessing a strategy here. Islam is planting the idea that Usman should be next, and with the same manager, it's clear where those seeds are coming from.
"Do I think Usman is an easier opponent? Absolutely. He's fought once in three years and has a 1-3 record. Even with my recent losses, I'm still 2-2. Declining fights shouldn't earn you a title shot.
Muhammad concludes by reiterating his call to face "The Nigerian Nightmare." Their rivalry, which allegedly began with a podcast altercation, remains unresolved. As we head into 2026, the Welterweight division's future is uncertain, and this potential matchup is sure to spark debate among fans.
But here's where it gets interesting... What do you think? Is this a fair assessment, or is there another side to the story? Let's discuss in the comments and explore the possibilities!
