Reigning UFC light heavyweight titleholder, Islam Makhachev, commented on the controversial statement of former world heavyweight boxing champion Alexander Povetkin, who said that he does not follow the success of his compatriot because he is not a Russian fighter.
“No, it didn’t surprise me that people started to actively discuss it, but I, for example, watch his fights,” the Russian said in the interview “MATCH TV”. “Was even in Riyadh when he fought. Cheered for him, sat in the front rows.”
According to Makhachev, he tries to follow all Russian boxers performing at a high level.
“I watch all our boxers who fight at a good level. I know Dagestani guys. I talked to the guys who won the world championship”
A day earlier, Povetkin said that his words were misinterpreted, but made it clear that he was not going to justify himself and did not pay attention to the criticism he received.
Recall that Islam Makhachev will go out for another title defense on October 21 at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, and his opponent will be Australian Alexander Volkanovski, replacing injured Brazilian Charles Oliveira on short notice.
Source: https://fighttime.ru/news/item/32889-islam-makhachev-otreagiroval-na-slova-aleksandra-povetkina.html?rand=19907
