Islam Makhachev open to Max Holloway bout, Steve Erceg reacts to UFC release, WBC champ weighs in on Olympic boxing controversy: MMA News Roundup
Islam Makhachev open to bout against ex-UFC champ, Steve Erceg reacts to Muhammad Mokaev's release and a WBC champion reacts to the Paris Olympics boxing controversy.
Find out more details in today's (August 3) Sportskeeda daily news roundup.
#3 Islam Makhachev open to "crazy" fight against Max Holloway
Islam Makhachev has revealed that he is open to potentially facing off against BMF champion Max Holloway.
Makhachev is currently nursing a torn hand ligament from his UFC 302 clash against Dustin Poirier. When he returns to action, the lightweight champ is expected to rematch Arman Tsarukyan.
The Russian has recently thrown a spanner into the max, however, after stating that he'd be more interested in facing Holloway next. Speaking at a recent UFC Abu Dhabi Q&A session, Makhachev said:
"Why not? [Facing Holloway]. I already beat Arman. If they put him next, that’s no problem. But, I’m not excited [that] much. I need new name, new challenger, I already beat Arman. If Max wants, let’s do it. I don’t need his [BMF] belt, but Max is a good name. It’s going to be a crazy fight for the fans.”
Catch Makhachev's comments here (7:00):
#2 Steve Erceg reacts to Muhammad Mokaev's UFC release
Men's flyweight contender Steve Erceg has weighed in on Muhammad Mokaev's UFC release.
The British fighter recently extended his undefeated record to 13-0 with a unanimous decision win over Manel Kape at UFC 304. Despite picking up the victory, Dana White confirmed in the post-fight presser that 'The Punisher' would not be re-signing with the promotion and was instead free to join the PFL.
Whilst the news came as a surprise to some, Erceg has revealed that he isn't suprised by the decision. According to 'Astro Boy', Mokaev was known to treat UFC staff poorly behind-the-scenes. Speaking in a recent interview with Middle Easy, Erceg said:
"The way [Mokaev] treats people, don't know if fans get to see it but I don't know, he just seems like he's a little entitled and things he's very important, which I don't particularly like and obviously the UFC didn't like. So, hopefully he grows from here and learns a lesson."
Check out Steve Erceg's comments here (4:10):
#1 WBC champ weighs in on Imane Khelif Olympics controversy
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has found herself at the heart of controversy at the Paris Olympic Games.
The controversy stems from a gender eligibility test that the Algerian failed at last year's Women's World Boxing Championships. The test, conducted by the International Boxing Association (IBA), reportedly ruled that Khelif had male XY chromosomes.
Despite the International Olympic Committee (IOC) refuting those claims and no longer recognizing the IBA's rulings, Khelif has come under fire, with many alleging that she is a male seeking a competitive advantage.
Australian boxer Skye Nicolson has since weighed in, having previously sparred against Khelif. According to Nicolson, who shared a video on her Instagram, Khelif was born female and doesn't deserve the hate directed towards her. She said:
"I just want to clarify a couple of things... I've actually fought and sparred both of the girls. They were born female. They were born with an XY chromosome, which is the male chromosome, but they were born with female bodies. They have the physical attributes of a female. They have grown up as girls, as females, as women. They have competed as women the whole time."
Check out Nicolson's comments here: