Ali Abdelaziz Praises Islam Makhachev Ahead Of UFC 267: “I Think He’s A Better Version Than Khabib”
UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, had high praise for his client ahead of Makhachev’s upcoming bout against Dan Hooker at UFC 267 on October 30.
Abdelaziz spoke with TMZ Sports and made the following claims that not only does he believe that Hooker doesn’t stand much of a chance against his client, but that he also thinks Makhachev will eventually become a better version of former undefeated UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, on his way to becoming one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport.
“If I rank him today, the pound-for-pound listing, he’s in the top five. I believe he’s destined to be a world champion,” Abdelaziz said. “Dan Hooker, great fighter, great guy, he’s showing up for a paycheck. The only way he can win is a lucky punch. I think [Islam’s] gonna be one of the greatest fighters ever. I think he’s a better version than Khabib. I truly believe he is. He’s not now, but he can be. He’s a future world champion, for sure.”
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