UFC Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev understands fight politics. Indeed, it took six years and 10 consecutive victories to finally score Makhachev his first opportunity at gold. That’s an unusually long streak before a title shot, but Makhachev was able to clear the final hurdle when he finished four straight opponents. Once he started stopping opponents, […]
UFC Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev understands fight politics.
Indeed, it took six years and 10 consecutive victories to finally score Makhachev his first opportunity at gold. That’s an unusually long streak before a title shot, but Makhachev was able to clear the final hurdle when he finished four straight opponents. Once he started stopping opponents, Makhachev could be denied no longer, and he’s remained on top since first capturing a belt in 2022.
Makhachev has moved on from the Lightweight division but still understands how the game is played. In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, Makhachev explained why he isn’t surprised that top contender Arman Tsarukyan did not receive his shot at interim gold. Tsarukyan was passed over in favor of Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett, who Makhachev believes are more appealing to western audiences and Paramount, the UFC’s new broadcast partner.
“Yes, I can see why Arman wasn’t given a shot at the belt,” Magomedov explained (via MMA Junkie). “The UFC got new sponsorships with Paramount (broadcast deal), so they need Western audiences, Western fans.
“Gaethje is a seasoned veteran of the sport, who has a great background in this sport. He is also American. Fans love him and he has a big fanbase. Pimblett is an Englishman as far as I know. I haven’t seen his fights, but he’s got some great hype. So it’s a fairly interesting matchup. Arman was given his chance, and the fact he missed it played a dirty joke on him.”
Generally, UFC has prioritized spectacle over merit in recent years, and the promotion of Paddy Pimblett is no exception. It’s interesting to consider that Paramount’s hefty investment could push the promotion even further in that direction, particularly since the company is accused of overpaying for UFC fights. Likely, Paramount wants to see a positive return on sooner rather than later, which could influence matchmaking.
Either way, the Lightweight picture will continue to remain murky until we have a realistic estimate for Ilia Topuria’s return. If he’s gone for most of 2026, it’s entirely possibly that Tsarukyan could face the Pimblett vs. Gaethje winner later in the year. Should Topuria be ready for the UFC White House event, well, it could be quite some time until Tsarukyan is back in the Octagon.
At least he’s keeping busy.
Category: General Sports
