'I’m not going to make excuses for him': Islam Makhachev's Manager Makes Bold Claim About UFC Lightweight Champion's Ability to Withstand Alex Pereira's Brute Force

Known for supporting his clients to the full extent, Ali Abdelaziz, manager of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, made a bold assertion about his client's prowess, touting him as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. Abdelaziz expressed his confidence in Makhachev's skills, stating that he would be a difficult matchup for even UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

Ali Abdelaziz Says Islam Makhachev Will Be a Difficult Matchup For Alex Pereira

Makhachev will return to the Octagon on January 18. He will take on the Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. Makhachev has faced Tsarukyan before. The two locked horns in 2019, when Islam showcased his dominance over a debuting Tsarukyan. Ahead of the much-anticipated fight, Abdelaziz went all out to praise his client and labelled him as someone who could even beat Alex Pereira, who has been an unstoppable force lately in the UFC.

He had a situation in the first fight (with Tsarukyan), I’m not going to make excuses for him. Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie. Arman is an absolute beast, he’s very tough – I think Arman will be a champion, but I don’t think it’s now. It’s not his time. He’s young. I don’t think any man from 155 pounds to 185 pounds can beat Islam Makhachev. It doesn’t exist. I believe 155, 170, 185, I think Islam can beat anybody at any given day.

Abdelaziz further added

This is what I believe in because what he’s shown me, the development, the improvement. I think Islam will beat Alex Pereira at 205, I do. I swear to Allah. I think Islam Makhachev will beat Alex Pereira. He’s just going to take him down and finish him, submit him. Alex Pereira can knock out anybody on the planet if he touches you, but I think Islam Makhachev is this good. …Skill for skill, I think he’s one of the best fighters, most complete fighters we’ve ever seen. It’s not Demetrious Johnson, it’s nobody.

Makhachev's Manager Contradicts Dana White

Abdelaziz also quashes the stance of UFC boss Dana White. According to him, Makhachev has a better resume than Jon Jones and is deserved to feature at the top of the P4P rankings.

The man finished seven of his last eight opponents,” Abdelaziz said of Makhachev. “He beat the pound-for-pound No. 1 ranked. The caliber of fighters he beat is not like who Jon Jones beat, and that’s no disrespect to Jon Jones. He’s amazing, but he’s beaten Ciryl Gane, who can’t wrestle. He beat Stipe (Miocic), who’s a grandfather.

Ali concluded by stating that on January 18, another fighter will become the victim of the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion.

He’s old. He’s a legend of course. Islam Makhachev didn’t go to a split decision with Thiago Santos. It doesn’t happen. He smashes people’s faces. He makes them look like they don’t even belong there, but we’re going to see. Jan. 18, one more for Islam Makhachev, and I think he’s going to make it look easy.