Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira feud heats up after Ali Abdelaziz hits back at Brazilian's coach for “running away” claims
Ali Abdelaziz recently added more fuel to the fire on the feud between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira after the former lightweight champion's coach blasted his client for ducking a rematch.
Makhachev had submitted Oliveira at UFC 280 to win the vacant lightweight championship. 'Do Bronx' was awarded a rematch following his impressive win over Beneil Dariush but was forced to pull out of UFC 294 after receiving a cut while sparring that required stitches.
During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, the former lightweight champion's coach, Diego Lima, claimed that the Dagestani doesn't want a rematch and noted that it would be inevitable after his charge defeats Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300:
"I think it's clear that he [Islam Makhachev] doesn't want to fight Charles [Oliveira] again. He wants out of this fight any way possible. It's more than clear...I think the winner of [Oliveira-Tsarukyan] will fight Makhachev. There's nothing else. There's nowhere to run."
The comments caught the attention of Abdelaziz, who responded to the tweet by mentioning that he's not confident in 'Do Bronx's chances at UFC 300, writing:
"He’s probably gonna lose to Arman and still I’m not gonna have to run"
![Tweet containing Lima's comments and Abdelaziz's response [Image courtesy: @MMAFighting - X]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/01/44ea3-17050838223523-1920.jpg?w=500)
It will be interesting to see whether Makhachev or Oliveira will weigh in on their rematch not materializing, as they now have more attention on their feud.
Ali Abdelaziz backs Justin Gaethje for next UFC lightweight title shot
Despite the UFC's plans for Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan to be a title eliminator to determine who challenges Islam Makhachev next, it appears as though Ali Abdelaziz believes another lightweight is more deserving.
Abdelaziz, who represents some of the top champions and fighters in MMA, backed his client Justin Gaethje for being the fighter who deserves to challenge Makhachev next. While speaking to ESPN's Brett Okamoto, the famed MMA manager mentioned that the 'BMF' title holder has earned another title shot, saying:
"Justin Gaethje's a guy [that] never wants something to be given to him. He earned it with sweat and blood and tears inside the cage. Islam Makhachev [is] very interested to fighting him." [4:45 - 5:00]
Check out the full interview below: