Islam Makhachev recently revealed his goals for 2024, one of which is to fight before the start of Ramadan in March. Fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to hear the news, but it’s hard to see where Makhachev may fit in given that the first three UFC pay-per-view events of 2019 all feature marquee bouts.
But Makhachev’s route to divisional greatness has now been paved by Daniel Cormier, the lightweight champion’s former partner.
Cormier’s Take On Islam Makhachev 2024 UFC Fight Plan
In response to ‘DC’s’ plan for 2024, Cormier mentioned another lightweight who he thinks the champion may face if he wins his first two fights in that year. He stated as follows:
“What do those fights look like? Charles Oliveira first, we know that… Say Makhachev gets it done in March… Who would be second? Justin Gaethje. Gaethje has made his intentions clear, he’s gonna wait [for a title shot]… He wants this fight because he feels he has a good style to fight Islam.” Cormier continued, “Third, I think we get Dustin Poirier. I think Islam Makhachev has an opportunity in next year, to run the gauntlet. Of all the most relevant lightweights that we have seen over the past 10 years, he can fight Charles, Justin, and Dustin all in a calendar year.”
Islam Makhachev seems set to take on Charles Oliveira after winning by KO over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 this past weekend. If Makhachev does not face the Brazilian, he is anticipated to face Justin Gaethje.
An incredible rematch of their UFC 280 battle in February took place at UFC 294 last month between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski.
With just eleven days’ notice, “The Great” replaced Charles Oliveira, who was forced to withdraw from the Abu Dhabi match against Makhachev due to an ugly cut above his eye.
Although Makhachev has been without a doubt the best lightweight fighter since Khabib Nurmagomedov retired, not all MMA fans have embraced his grappling-heavy style.
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However, Islam Makhachev’s incredible head-kick knockout victory over Volkanovski validated the Dagestani fighter’s long-held assertion that he was more than simply a Sambo grappler.
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