"This is not my problem" - Islam Makhachev responds to those who believe he hasn't fought enough high-level competition
Throughout his journey to the top of the lightweight division, Islam Makhachev has come under criticism for not fighting as many elite talents as he could have. However, the 155-pound contender has now cleared the air on why that seems to be the case.
On October 22 in Abu Dhabi, the 31-year-old will be met by his toughest test to date since dedicating his life to the sport 12 years ago. Earning the opportunity to fight for UFC gold, the Dagestani will meet Charles Oliveira as the two battle it out for the vacant lightweight strap.
During a recent interview on Shak MMA, Islam Makhachev opened up on the complaints that he hasn't competed against enough high-level competition, claiming that he isn't to blame for the level of his opponents he faces.
"All my professional career, I have one problem. All these guys from the top, they avoid me for many years. But, this is not my mistake, I just fight who they put in front of me, I never choose some opponents and now this problem is gonna finish because now I'm gonna be champion and they're gonna call me [champion]... All my professional career I have this problem. I call [for a fight against] Chandler, I call Poirier, I call Gaethje, all these guys, but they not give me answer."
In recent times, Michael Chandler and Makhachev have engaged in an online feud, with both fighters not believing either deserve the praise they get due to the level of fighters they've beaten inside the octagon.
Check out Makhachev's comments in the video below:
Would beating Charles Oliveira earn Islam Makhachev the respect he deserves?
While he is, of course, one of the best lightweights on the planet, Islam Makhachev has large boots to fill as most fans are expecting him to follow in the footsteps of Khabib Nurmagomedov and dominate the 155-pound division.
Before being able to take charge of the weightclass, the sambo specialist must first get past the always dangerous Charles Oliveira who poses a threat no matter where the fight takes place.
If he is able to bring an end to Oliveira's 11-fight win-streak, it won't be long before doubters begin jumping on the Islam Makhachev bandwagon and giving him his long overdue respect.