Makhachev could go on run that blows away Khabib’s dominance

ABU DHABI – Dana White has not been shy together with his reward for Khabib Nurmagomedov. He gained’t be shy with regards to dispensing propers to certainly one of his proteges, both.

After light-weight champion Islam Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) knocked out featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) within the first round of the UFC 294 main event Saturday in Abu Dhabi, UFC CEO White rejected the concept that Makhachev has to dwell within the shadow of Nurmagomedov, who retired and vacated the light-weight belt in 2020, which paved the way in which for Makhachev’s ascension and present spot on the throne.

Makhachev was purported to combat Charles Oliveira, whom he beat to win the vacant title in 2022. However Oliveira pulled out with a lower, and Volkanovski took his second shot at changing into a two-division champ. After a detailed combat their first time round, Makhachev ripped by Volkanovski in a rush within the rematch.

“I don’t know if he actually lives in Khabib’s shadow,” White mentioned at his UFC 294 post-event information convention at Etihad Area. “(Saturday) was a giant step in the appropriate route. The man’s been dominant. Then, all of the controversy that got here off that final combat, and he finishes this combat the way in which that he did. … He went in there and viciously, impressively completed this combat with a (Mirko) ‘Crocop’-esque kick to the top. It doesn’t get any higher than that towards a really robust, sturdy man who has a fantastic chin. You don’t ever see anyone try this to Volkanovski.”

Makhachev skilled with Khabib and Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who died in 2020 not lengthy earlier than Khabib gained his ultimate combat and introduced his retirement. Due to that, he’ll without end be in comparison with his preventing mentor – significantly as a result of they’re in the identical weight class and now have held the identical title.

However White thinks Makhachev finally may supplant Khabib as the perfect to do it at 155 kilos.

“(If) he retains doing what he’s doing – you’ve simply received to maintain grinding and knocking them down one after the other – and it will definitely occurs,” White mentioned. “The reality is, whenever you have a look at Khabib – and nothing towards Khabib; Khabib got here in and gained the title and defended – however (Makhachev) may go on a protection run that completely blows everyone away that ever held the belt in that division.”

White additionally thinks Makhachev may take a shot at a second title, himself – however at welterweight, the place Leon Edwards at the moment holds the title.

However White pumped the brakes on that taking place within the close to future.

“I assume he’s proficient sufficient (to win two belts),” White mentioned. “I don’t see that taking place any time quickly. He’s nonetheless received some guys to combat (at light-weight). But when he defends the belt for an additional 12 months and wished to maneuver up, why not?”

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