Islam Makhachev had some harsh criticism towards the BMF title fight at UFC 300.
Justin Gaethje (25-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) defends his BMF title against Max Holloway (25-7 MMA, 21-7 UFC) on April 13 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC lightweight champion Makhachev was expecting his next title defense to be against Gaethje, but after “The Highlight” was booked against Holloway, Makhachev was left baffled by the matchup.
“I don’t want to make people upset, but this is a useless fight for a useless belt,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie. “Nobody gains anything from this fight. I have three guys: (Arman) Tsarukyan, (Charles) Oliveira, and Gaethje, but Tsarukyan and Oliveira – I beat them already. But I have Gaethje – he deserves to fight for the title now. This is a good time for him.
“He showed a good performance in the last two fights. For Holloway, he already has a new champion (at featherweight), and he can fight now with (Ilia) Topuria. But they put (Gaethje and Holloway) against) each other. I don’t know. This fight for me, it’s nothing. For the fans, it’s going to be a good fight. They both like to give damage, like to fight, like to box always. But for me, and for the (lightweight) division, the fight means nothing.”
Makhachev is targeting a return in June. With both Gaethje vs. Holloway, and Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan taking place in April, Makhachev thinks a quick turnaround is unlikely for any of them. That’s why he pivoted his attention to Dustin Poirier, who knocked out Benoit Saint Denis this past Saturday at UFC 299.
But considering Gaethje was the expected No. 1 contender, Makhachev thinks he’s taking a big risk by fighting Holloway.
“Can you imagine if Gaethje loses? If Gaethje loses, he loses everything – his chance,” Makhachev said. “I don’t know when he’s going to fight for the title again. If Holloway loses, who will fight with Topuria? … If they put me vs. Gaethje and Holloway vs. Topuria, it’s good for the UFC, for both divisions. But right now, in my opinion, it’s a useless fight.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.
Islam Makhachev: Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway at UFC 300 is ‘a useless fight for a useless belt’
