Islam Makhachev: UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is arguably one of the biggest names in the promotion. The Russian holds the belt in one of the best divisions, and is P4P number 2, with the opportunity to become the number one P4P fighter in the UFC this weekend at UFC 284 against Alexander Volkanovski. However, things could have been very different for Islam Makhachev. Follow UFC 284 Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski LIVE streaming updates with Insidesport.IN.
Makhachev almost ruined his UFC career back in 2018 when he brawled with Conor McGregor and his team. This was during the infamous fight between Conor McGregor and Makhachev’s friend and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Islam Makhachev Will ‘Never Fight’ in the UFC: When Dana White Decided to Ban Current UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev for Brawling With Conor McGregor, Check UFC 284 Makhachev vs Volkanovski Updates
Why did Dana White almost Ban Islam Makhachev?
After the fight at UFC 229, Khabib jumped over the octagon and attacked McGregor’s teammate Dillon Danis. While other teammates jumped into the cage and attacked McGregor, Makhachev jumped into the corner to attack Danis. The Russian even landed a left overhand on Danis while others held Khabib back.
In the aftermath of this, Dana White spoke to the media and said, “The guys who jumped in will never fight here again. I’ve been working hard to promote this sport. This is not what a mixed martial arts event is normally like.”
Although Makhachev did not stop into the octagon to attack McGregor, he still got involved. Therefore, many assumed this statement applied to him too. And it probably did.
Did the UFC ban Islam Makhachev?
Despite Dana White’s comments, the UFC never banned Makhachev. This came as a result of Khabib threatening to quit if the UFC banned his teammates for entering the octagon. The former champion took to Instagram to threaten the UFC with retirement if Makhachev and his other team members had to face bans.
Consequently, Dana White and the UFC solved the issue behind the scenes and the fighters competed in the UFC and the rest is history. Now Makhachev, who could have faced a ban, is now the UFC lightweight champion and is on the cusp of being the P4P number one fighter.
What do you make of this incident? Do you think the UFC should have banned Makhachev?
Follow UFC 284 Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski LIVE streaming updates with Insidesport.IN.
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