JAKARTA - UFC President Dana White expressed optimism about Makhachev's Islamic career. White said the fighter would have a better career than his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Dana White made this statement after seeing how Islam defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 on Sunday, October 22.
In that fight, Islam Makhachev successfully defended the UFC lightweight world title for the second time against Volkanovski. In the UFC 294 duel at the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, Makhachev won the first round KO over Volkanovski.
Dana believes there are many great fighters who can be defeated by the 31-year-old fighter. "If he (Islam Makhachev) continues to do what he does, he just needs to keep working hard and bring them down (against him) one by one, and that will eventually happen," White said as quoted by MMA Junkie on Wednesday, October 25.
"Actually, when you look at Khabib, it's not that I don't mean to disrespect Khabib, Khabib enters the UFC, wins titles and survives. But he (Makhachev) can defend the world title and really destroy everyone who has ever held a belt in this division," White continued.
Previously, it was known that in the last three duels at the UFC, Makhachev always won against world champion fighters.
Khabib did this in his last three fights before retiring. He beat Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje.
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Dana White also praised Makhachev's Islamic performance when he won KO over Volkanovski. According to him, Makhachev's deadly kick which made Volkanovski KO very extraordinary.
"I don't know if he really lives in the shadow of Khabib. This victory is a big step in the right direction. Makhachev is so dominant. He entered the octagon and viciously, impressively, finished this fight with a head kick," White said.
After defeating Volkanovski, Makhachev was faced with a number of potential opponents. In addition to the rematch against Charles Oliveira, Makhachev also has the opportunity to face Justin Gaethje.
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