Despite his continuing dominance, Islam Makhachev can’t seem to land a top-ranked opponent.
Makhachev (19-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC), who’s called out the likes of Tony Ferguson, Paul Felder and Dan Hooker, wasn’t able to draw a top 10 lightweight and will instead be facing dangerous Brazilian Thiago Moises (15-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) at UFC Fight Night on July 17.
Moises is currently on the rise having won three straight, but he’s not the opponent Makhachev was looking for. He took to Twitter to vent his frustration, but vows not to be deterred in his path to gold.
“TOP 10 of LW division is a bunch of old ass slick fighters. Not a single one accepted the fight they were offered. NO MATTER WHAT, I’M GONNA KEEP MOVING AND GET THAT BELT SOON, with or without these clowns. See you July 17.”
TOP 10 of LW division is a bunch of old ass slick fighters. Not a single one accepted the fight they were offered.
NO MATTER WHAT, I’M GONNA KEEP MOVING AND GET THAT BELT SOON, with or without these clowns. See you July 17 @ufc @espnmma https://t.co/j0Df3tNDaT— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 13, 2021
It’s been a frustrating road for Makhachev, who’s won his past seven in a row. He’s coming off a third-round submission of Drew Dober at UFC 259 in March, but won’t likely make a leap in the rankings if he beats the unranked Moises this summer.