Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Islam Makhachev (red gloves) reacts after defeating Renato Moicano (blue gloves) in a lightweight title fight during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome
Islam Makhachev may be preparing for another UFC title defense, but an even bigger surprise could be underway. The reigning welterweight champion has revealed that he’s already verbally agreed to a potential boxing match as he gears up to defend his title in the Octagon.
While the Dagestani star remains locked in on his upcoming title fight with Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, it appears that he also got his hands on other things outside the Octagon. As early as now, it’s already a revelation that adds an unexpected twist to one of MMA’s most dominant careers.
During an interview with MMA Junkie, Makhachev divulged that his appearance at a recent Zuffa Boxing event wound up being more than just that. It led to an intriguing discussion with Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.
According to Makhachev, the conversation he had with Alalshikh regarding a boxing match seems promising. As for him, he is down to enter the ring and he directly let Alalshikh know about it as well.
“We had good talks about a boxing match, in Zuffa Boxing with Turki Alalshikh,” Makhachev said. “I don’t know if it’s a secret or not, but he said ‘When you’re ready for boxing, just let me know, and we’ll do something’. Why not? Box with some other fighters, why not?”
Islam Makhachev Has Been Ready To Crossover To Boxing All Along
Known for being straightforward, Makhachev’s revelation seems like it’s really about to happen. But perhaps the biggest surprise isn’t that Alalshikh wants another UFC superstar to crossover to boxing. The more shocking part is that Makhachev has apparently been ready to accept the opportunity all along.
The only thing the 170-pound king is not sure about at this point is what UFC boss Dana White would say about it.
“Turki has asked me a few times, and I’ve just told him to ask Dana [White],” Islam pointed out. “I’m ready, any time.”
Islam Makhachev Isn’t Known For His Boxing
Truth be told, that’s a bold display of confidence from a fighter whose reputation has never been built around elite-level boxing. Makhachev has established himself as one of the most complete mixed martial artists through suffocating grappling and relentless ground control. Of his 28 pro MMA victories, only five have come by way of KO or TKO.
Nevertheless, if Makhachev is genuinely willing to test himself inside the ring, it would instantly become one of the sport’s most closely watched experiments. Until then, the reigning welterweight champion has to remain focused on the task in front of him: successfully defending his belt against Garry at UFC 330.