Back to the MMA Newsfeed

Islam Makhachev refuses to fight Max Holloway in future title clash: ‘I don’t want to give him the chance’

Ahead of his UFC 302 return in June, undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev appears less than interested in hanging around at the weight class beyond the summer – and even less interest in facing recently-minted BMF gold holder, Max Holloway in the future.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion and the current pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter on the promotion’s books, is slated to make his return at the beginning of June, headlining in Newark in a title fight against former interim champion, Dustin Poirier atop a UFC 302 card.

Islam Makhachev issues ultimatum to UFC I'll be ready to smash in March or see you after Ramadan
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

As for Holloway, the surging former undisputed featherweight champion made good on his sophomore outing at the lightweight limit at UFC 300 earlier this month, landing a viral, buzzer-beating KO win over Justin Gaethje in the pair’s symbolic BMF title outing.