UFC president Dana White refused to let Khabib Nurmagomedov know his plans for the lightweight title after the legendary fighter texted him a suggestion last week.
The Russian is one of the most well-known fighters in the history of the promotion, and is generally known to have the ear of White when it comes to suggestions and planning. But when he urged the UFC boss to give his next world title fight at 155lb to Islam Makhachev, Nurmagomedov was ignored for the first time in their relationship.
The former lightweight champion retired from the sport on top back in 2020, leaving the belt vacant after his win over Justin Gaethje. Charles Oliveira ultimately scooped it up by beating Michael Chandler, before defending against Dustin Poirier and beating Gaethje in a non-title fight after missing weight by half-a-pound.
And it would appear that his next contender should be Makhachev, with whom Nurmagomedov is close friends and training partners. Speaking with ESPN MMA, the Russian explained that he told White why his protege deserves the shot, having won his last ten fights in the promotion.
"Honestly, this is first time since we've been talking to each other, he didn't respond to me," Nurmagomedov said. "I sent a message, I said, 'Hey, no way other guy has to fight for the title. Islam has to be there.' I said something like similar message, but he didn't respond. I think he was busy maybe. This is the first time."
The belt is currently vacant, although most recognise Oliveira to be the rightful champion having defeated Gaethje comfortably in the first round of their meeting earlier this month. And Makhachev is the next contender, currently sitting in No.4 behind Gaethje and Poirier who lost their last title efforts.
But White still wants to see him face Beneil Dariush, the No.6 contender, before he gets his shot at the promotional gold. Nurmagomedov believes that Oliveira is the champion, but also argues that to become undisputed he must defeat Makhachev, who has been unable to earn a title shot despite his lengthy win streak.
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"If Charles wins against Islam, we have to give him credit," he added. "Then he’s going to be undisputed UFC lightweight champion. Right now, I believe he’s champion. I believe even this. People talk about the half-pound. I believe he deserved it. Right now, in this moment, he deserves to be champion. He’s doing a very good job - but he’s not undisputed. When I finished, I was undisputed."
The Russian went 29-0 in his professional career, defeating the likes of Poirier and Conor McGregor as well as a host of other former champions during a dominant run. He rarely lost a round, let alone a fight, and retired after the passing of his father, at which point his mum begged him to hang up the gloves.
