UFC CEO Dana White believes welterweight titleholder Islam Makhachev’s abrupt hiatus is financially motivated.
Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will battle for the interim UFC welterweight title at UFC 336 in January. Prates and Morales will battle for the interim belt after undisputed titleholder Islam Makhachev determined to not defend his belt on the occasion, regardless of verbally agreeing to return.
UFC CEO Dana White expressed uncommon frustration with Makhachev following his UFC 336 pivot. White accused Makhachev of ‘holding up the division’ and questioned the titleholder’s reasoning behind his choice.
Days faraway from his preliminary remarks, White believes he is aware of why Makhachev all of the sudden determined towards preventing at UFC 336.
Dana White says Islam Makhachev’s ‘cash’ a significant factor in UFC 336 pullout
In a current media scrum with The Mac Life and different retailers, White was pressed on why he thinks Makhachev pulled out.
“I feel while you get to a place the place he’s at and what he’s completed, who is aware of what he’s pondering or what he desires to do subsequent? However, clearly, I like when guys battle quite a bit. Being the champ, I don’t actually count on you to battle thrice a 12 months, however twice could be good,” White mentioned of Makhachev. “What you begin to do is again up the division, as a result of a lot of guys would love a shot on the title.”
“I feel it’s cash,” White defined. “When you get a lot cash — when guys are younger and hungry, they wish to battle quite a bit as a result of they wish to receives a commission. However when you begin to get sufficient cash, you don’t should battle on a regular basis.
“And for him, to be honest to Islam, take a look at what he’s completed.” (h/t MMA Preventing)
Makhachev hasn’t fought since defeating Ian Machado Garry by unanimous choice at UFC 330 earlier this 12 months. As of this writing, Makhachev stays atop the UFC’s pound-for-pound listing.
Who do you consider Islam Makhachev will battle in his subsequent title protection? Share your ideas within the feedback!
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