Reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev doesn’t think the winner of the upcoming fight between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev can count on a title shot.
“There will be a very interesting fight, which of course I will watch,” the Russian said in an interview with UFC Russia. “Fiziyev has a good winning streak, and I think he is two or three fights away from the fight for the title. Gaethje has fought for the belt quite a few times and he is also two or three wins away from a title shot.”
Earlier, Islam Makhachev made it clear that he considers Charles Oliveira and Benil Dariush to be a Candidates fight, which will take place on May 6 at UFC 288 in Newark. According to the plan of the organization, the Russian fighter will hold another title defense on October 21 at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
Recall that the lightweight fight between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev will be the second most important event of the UFC 286 tournament, which will be held on March 18 in London.
Source: https://fighttime.ru/news/item/31044-islam-makhachev-ne-schitaet-pretendentskim-boj-fizieva-i-gejtzhi.html?rand=19907
